On Thankgiving it’s customary to count your blessings and give thanks for all you’ve been given in your life. This year, I started thinking about ways that we show our thankfulness and appreciation to the men and women who spend their lives defending our country.

Here are some ways I’ve witnessed:

1. Saying thank you
This is as simple as stopping a soldier in uniform and saying “Thank you. I appreciate what you’re doing for this country.”

2. Buying their meal in a restaurant
I’ve witnessed this several times…but for some reason by the time it occurs to me, the opportunity is gone.

3. Airlines moving a soldier to an empty seat in first class
I’ve seen the before and it happened again on my flight last week from DC to Minneapolis. The soldier two rows up from me got moved to first class

4. People going to the airport to welcome the troops home
In the state where I live, lots of National Guard troops have been sent to Iraq. The city always encourages citizens to meet the planes when they return

5. Recognizing current and former military at concerts.
A friend and I went to a Wayne Newton concert about ten years ago. He had all active and former military stand and be recognized. I don’t remember much about the concernt but I do remember that moment.

Any others I’ve missed? Anything you want to add?