And don’t just say “Thank you” (though every veteran I say it to appreciates it)… Back up your gratitude by helping one of any number of veterans’ causes that help us civilians do our small part to honor the sacrifices they made on our behalf. Here are but a few:

Hire Heroes USA: “To provide job placement services to our disabled veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, Hire Heroes USA relies on the support of individuals and corporations. With one in four veterans returning home with a service-related disability, there has never been a greater need for mentoring and employment programs to help our soldiers lead productive civilian lives, take care of their families and establish new careers.”

SALUTE, Inc.: “dedicated to increasing awareness and support of issues facing active military personnel, veterans and their families and to provide financial support through advocacy and fundraising. … It is truly our mission to “HONOR THE SERVICE AND REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE” of the men, women and families of our U.S. military personnel.“

Wounded Warrior Project: “Your generous, tax deductible donation to the Wounded Warrior Project enables us to help the thousands of wounded warriors returning home from the current conflicts and to provide assistance to their families.  As the number of wounded steadily increases, so do the needs of these brave individuals.”

Honor Flight Network: “Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill.”