Veterans and the Holidays: Honoring Their Quiet Sacrifice

November 07, 2025

Submitted by:

Kim Skelton

USMC Veteran

How important are the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons to veterans? They are very important.

Many veterans joined the military shortly after high school. They were grown men and women, but still young. They went wherever they were sent, for however long they were needed, under a contractual obligation. For many, this was their first time away from home, family, and friends during the holidays.

It was very difficult for them to be in unfamiliar environments, away from the comfort of family and traditions. In some cases, they were alone for the holidays. The holidays passed like any other day, but not in their minds.

They couldn’t be with family for birthdays, births, and sometimes funerals. They only got to hear about or imagine the joy, laughter, tears, vacations, and everything happening back home.

Joining the military meant making new friends from those around them who felt the same way. They celebrated as much as they could, in ways their immediate circumstances allowed. Together, they formed unbreakable bonds and, often, lifelong friendships. These bonds can make them feel closer to their battle buddies than to their own blood relatives.

Once discharged, many returned home—but things were never quite the same. They were changed by their experiences. They had been forced to mature quickly. Although they came home, it didn’t feel the same. Faces had changed. Some dear to them may have passed away, and there may have been new little faces.

As the years pass, they may not appear excited about the holidays or the festivities. But they still think back to times past and people missed.

How You Can Help.

As family, friends, and coworkers, one of the best things you can do is make sure veterans are not alone. Invite them to join you and your family to hang out and share a meal.

If you can’t convince them to take part in festivities, take them a plate of food and maybe give them a small gift. Spend some time with them. They will know they are remembered and appreciated.

A Quiet Debt of

Gratitude.

Remember, these are the people who served this country so you have the right to enjoy holiday celebrations. Whether combat or non-combat veterans, they have sacrificed so much more. This holiday season, let’s honor them not just with words, but with presence, kindness, and connection.