How to Show Your Veteran Father That You’re Proud of Him?

By  //  June 30, 2022

Serving in the military is one of the most honorable things a person can do. It takes courage, strength, and dedication. It also shows in the way a person lives their life after their service. The military father is a hero to his children. He has displayed strength and courage in the face of danger, whether it was on the front line or in the parenthood trenches.

With this in mind, you may want to show your veteran father that you are proud of him. But it may sound easier than it actually is. The obvious choices, such as telling him how much you appreciate his service or buying him a gift, may not be enough. You want to do something that will truly show how proud you are of him and everything he has accomplished.

Below, you will find some thoughtful and unique ways to show your veteran father that you are proud of him. Whether you are looking for a gift idea or just want to do something special, these ideas will help you show your appreciation in a way that he will never forget.

Join His Cause

If your veteran father is involved in a cause that is important to him, such as supporting veterans or active-duty military members, then you can show your support by joining him. This is a great way to connect with him on a deeper level and show that you are proud of his service.

There are many organizations, such as Veteran Leadership, that help veterans transition to civilian life or make change in their communities. You can look for opportunities to volunteer or donate to them, or even start your own fundraiser. Whatever you do, make sure that your father knows that you are behind him for everything he is doing to help others.

Plan a Military-Themed Party

One of the best ways to show your veteran father that you are proud of him is to throw a military-themed party, that is if he is the party type. This can be a great way to honor his achievements, meet with his former comrades, and have some fun. There are many ways to go about planning a party like this, so get creative.

For example, you can arrange a barbecue and serve food that he and his friends would have eaten while in the service – just, with a twist. Instead of hot dogs and hamburgers, you can get creative with the menu and make sliders or even have a “build your own” hot dog bar. When it comes to activities, try to remember what he used to do for fun in the service. Did he play cards or chess? Was he in a band?

Put Together a Scrapbook

You might be making presentations all day but its time to make a beautiful presentation for your father in form of a scarpbook. If your father is the sentimental type, then putting together a scrapbook is a great way to show him that you are proud of his service. There’s a high chance that he has a box (or boxes) of old photos and mementos from his time in the military. This is your opportunity to help him relive those memories and share them with the family.

Start by going through all the old photos and choose the ones that are most special to him. Then, you can start putting them in the scrapbook – or make copies first so that he can keep the originals. Be sure to add any other mementos, such as old letters, postcards, or ticket stubs. You can even add in some new photos, such as ones of him with his grandchildren or at family gatherings.

Get a Tattoo

This may not be for everyone, but getting a tattoo is a permanent way to show your veteran father that you are proud of him. If he has a tattoo, you can get one in the same spot, as long as it is not too personal. For example, you can get a tattoo of his unit’s insignia or the date he was discharged.

If your father does not have a tattoo, you can still get one to honor him. This can be anything from a simple design to a full-blown portrait. Just make sure that you get it done by a reputable artist who can do the design justice. Otherwise, it may turn into a regretful decision.

Give Him a Gift from the Heart

A gift is always a thoughtful way to show someone that you are proud of them. If your veteran father is the type who likes tangible things and souvenirs, then you can never go wrong with a gift. This does not have to be anything expensive or over-the-top. It can be something as simple as cuff links with his unit’s insignia or a keychain with his name and rank.

If you want to go the extra mile, maybe there’s something he’s always wanted but never got around to getting, such as the pony car he used to drive before the draft, or a classic watch. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that he will appreciate and that will make him think of you every time he uses it.

Final Thoughts

All fathers are heroes in their own way. But there is something special about a father who has served in the military. They have displayed strength, courage, and dedication, both in the service and in their civilian lives. As a child of a veteran father, you may want to show him how proud you are of him, and everything he has accomplished.

There are many ways to do this, but it is not always easy to find the right way. The ideas above should help you get started. Whether you are looking for a gift idea or just want to do something special, these ideas will help you show your veteran father how much you appreciate him.