On Monday, the Concerned Veterans for America Foundation (CVAF) announced a nationwide virtual Veterans Day parade to honor U.S. veterans despite limitations from the coronavirus pandemic. For the virtual Veterans Day event CVAF is asking people to submit photos and videos celebrating our veterans on its Virtual Veterans Day website, then share those videos, photos, and posts on social media platforms.
For every video submitted, CVAF told American Military News it is pledging to donate an item to Veterans’ Life Centers, an organization that provides support to help veterans and prevent them from falling into crisis. CVAF’s Veterans Day event is running from November 10th through the 12th, the day after Veterans Day.
In a statement, CVAF said, “The initiative is aimed at saluting those who answered a call to serve our nation – an important effort at a time when parades and celebrations around the country are being canceled due to the pandemic.”
“Military service is one of America’s proudest traditions. We honor our veterans because they symbolize the principles our society aspires to,” said Nate Anderson, Executive Director of CVAF, who is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. “This year more than ever, Veterans Day should remind us of the freedom we enjoy in this country, and the debt of gratitude we owe the veterans who defend it.
Join our CVA Foundation Director, in kicking off the #VirtualVeteransParade which will continue until Thursday!
Post a picture or video thanking a veteran who’s been a role model or hero in your life! pic.twitter.com/nAtie3dk9t— CVA Foundation (@CVAFoundation) November 10, 2020
CVAF Director of Education, John Byrnes said, “Few who serve in uniform ask for recognition, but as a veteran, I can tell you it really means a lot to know Americans acknowledge our service. We must work to minimize exposure during this pandemic, but we think it is important Americans are able to show their support for veterans and honor their sacrifices.”
Byrnes added, “Our veterans are remarkable. They are among our very best. Through personal sacrifice, dedication to duty, and tireless commitment to service, they have earned the title of ‘veteran.’ Every American has benefitted from their service, and Veterans Day is the time when we can come together as a country to show our appreciation for it.”
CVAF’s past mission includes educating veterans and citizens on veterans’ health awareness. CVAF has also worked to promote entrepreneurship and connect veterans with jobs after their service, and to otherwise help veterans transition to civilian life
