November 11 is Veterans Day. It is a day to honor those who have served in the military, both living and dead. (Not to be confused with Memorial Day, which honors those who have died serving our country). To get your kids acquainted with the holiday, visit a family member or friend who served or watch this video.

I like to take my children to visit a family friend--I call him my adopted grandfather--who served in the Vietnam War. He’s nearing 90 years old but is still sharp enough to tell them stories and fabricate parts of his life. (Every time we pass his apartment building, they say “There’s John’s mansion!”) I can tell a simple visit or phone call from the kids really brightens his day, not just on Veterans Day.

But not every veteran has coped with re-acclimation so well. This Veterans Day, have your kids draw a picture or send a thank you card to a veteran. If you don’t know where to send one, try any of these places first:

• Veterans Affairs Hospitals
• A Military Base
• Honor Flight Network
• VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
• The American Legion