Watermelon Slim plays Taps at almost every show Live From Clarksdale. He's a Vietnam veteran and a bluesman. As he says, "part of the blues has always been to mourn." Today we honor both the fallen and those still here.
Here are 10 ways to honor veterans, today and every day:
1) Thank them. 2) Hire them. 3) Don't assume they're okay; offer to listen. 4) Share their stories. 5) Share substance abuse and suicide prevention numbers like the Veterans Crisis Line. 6) Support organizations like Wounded Warrior Project and Veterans' Families United Foundation. 7) Acknowledge the families of veterans, and give them a hug too. 8) Volunteer at the local VA. 9) Participate in the democracy that influences where our next veterans will serve. 10) Give back by sending care packages, writing letters, and more through projects like Operation Gratitude at OperationGratitude.com