Veterans Day 2021
“Thank You For Your Service?”
It’s a common sentiment civilians use in recognition of veterans’ service to our country. In fact, three-fourths of Americans (77%) say they thank veterans for their service in public. Yet, over half of veterans (58%) say they feel uncomfortable being thanked for their service.
That’s according to the CVN Veterans Day Survey 2021, which explores the civilian-military divide following the end of America’s longest war and reveals how civilians can connect with veterans in more meaningful ways this Veterans Day. The survey additionally reveals what veterans think is important for civilians to understand about veterans and military service.
Additional survey highlights include:
- Three-in-five Americans (63%) are motivated to show greater support for veterans this Veterans Day after watching the events unfold at the end of the War in Afghanistan.
- Top ways to honor veterans this Veterans Day, according to veterans include flying a flag, donating to a veteran service organization, and buying a veteran a meal
- Eight-in-ten veterans (80%) think it is important to understand that veterans/service members come from all walks of life/ are a diverse group
- Two-thirds of veterans (67%) think it is important to understand that military families serve, too
“Over three-fourths of Americans (77%) thank veterans for their service in public, yet over half of veterans and service members (58%) are uncomfortable being thanked.”
Read more from our Press Release
Join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #BeyondTheThankYou.
Cohen Clinic veteran staff members from across CVN’s network of mental health clinics offer their perspective on some of the topics explored in the survey:
What does it mean to you when you see a flag displayed?
“When I see the American flag, I feel a great sense of pride and respect. Particularly when I think of the sacrifice of the many American service members who have lost their lives. I’m also reminded that as long as it waves, our work is never done as we continue to strive for freedom for all.” – Natasha, Army Veteran, Cohen Clinic at Endeavors in San Antonio, TX.
In what ways do military families serve, too?
“The night before my husband deployed again my son was very sad. He said to his dad, ‘I was used to you being gone, and then I was used to you being home. Now, I have to get used to you being gone again.’
He is just 10 years old and his dad has been gone, on and off, for 7 of those years. I like to tell people my son is on his ninth deployment. He has served every second of those deployments, just in a different capacity.” – Liz, Army Veteran, Cohen Clinic at Centerstone in Jacksonville, FL.