LaGrange has a rich tradition of honoring military service, and it’s no wonder: veterans and active-duty service members have made immense sacrifices to protect the freedoms we value.
If you’re part of our community, you know that supporting veterans and military families isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s an essential part of maintaining our connection to each other and to the history we share.
From local businesses to parades, and faith groups, LaGrange has a variety of ways to pay homage to our heroes.
Parades and Community Events
Nothing quite brings people together like a parade, and LaGrange’s annual Veterans Day parade is a great example. It’s an event that’s as much about community spirit as it is about honoring military service. As you stand along the parade route, seeing veterans from various generations and hearing the cheers from local families, there’s a palpable sense of pride.
Organized by the city and supported by local businesses, the parade features veterans’ groups, high school bands, and even classic car displays. Plus, community events like these often serve as a way for locals to connect with veterans and learn more about the personal stories behind their service.
Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses
If you want to support veterans directly, try choosing veteran-owned businesses whenever you can. These businesses are an important part of LaGrange’s economy, offering everything from automotive services to specialty coffee shops.
Beyond buying local, some people find ways to promote these businesses on social media or give them an extra boost through word-of-mouth referrals. Many veteran-owned businesses also give back to the community in other ways, often hiring other veterans or supporting military-related causes.
Memorial Coins and Honorary Tokens
Faith organizations in LaGrange and the surrounding area have a unique tradition of presenting commemorative coins to veterans and their families. These memorial coins, often inscribed with words of gratitude or specific military symbols, offer a meaningful way to show respect.
Many groups have also turned to custom challenge coins and custom-printed tokens to personalize their appreciation even further. These offer a creative way to honor each veteran’s unique service – whether by engraving their branch insignia, their years of service, or even a favorite motto.
Not only are they cherished by the veterans who receive them, but they’re also a reminder to families that the community values the service of their loved ones.
Honorary Accolades and Recognition Events
LaGrange doesn’t just wait for Veterans Day to recognize its military members: local government, nonprofits, and organizations hold various recognition events throughout the year.
Some of these ceremonies might focus on specific groups, like women in the military or families of deployed service members, while others are broader in scope, open to any resident with a military connection.
These events often include heartfelt speeches, community acknowledgments, and even a “thank you” dinner or lunch. In these moments, community members can step up to volunteer or provide resources, creating a powerful sense of unity.
Faith Organizations and Community Support
Faith-based groups across LaGrange play a special role in supporting veterans. Many churches and synagogues offer free counseling, mentorship, or even financial support for veterans and their families.
Some organize support groups that give veterans a chance to connect with each other, sharing both their struggles and their successes.
Community support initiatives organized by faith groups may also include practical help like meals or rides to appointments – services that mean a lot to veterans who may be facing challenging transitions back into civilian life. You, too, can contribute to these efforts by volunteering or donating to organizations that actively support local veterans.
