← Back to Blog

How our Senior Living Community Honors Military Veterans

senior veteran saluting the American flag

Senior Veterans Have a Special Place in Our Hearts

Our retirement community in Virginia Beach include military veterans and their spouses who first experienced the Virginia Beach area by being stationed here many years ago. They loved it so much they chose to retire here. Long-time resident Bob Sage is retired from the Navy and enjoys equity ownership at Atlantic Shores, which gives him the option to vote on community matters and to leave a legacy to his family. He also likes living just 5 to 10 minutes away from military amenities he uses daily. Learn more about Bob and discover the full list of military life amenities nearby, including the Commissary, the Navy Exchange, beaches, medical services, recreational facilities and golf courses.

Veterans Engaging with the Community

Retired military veterans at Atlantic Shores have wide-ranging interests, and enthusiastically give back to the community at large. They’re involved in many partnerships and projects that honor the military, including taking Honor Flight tours to Washington D.C., serving as docents and special event hosts at the Virginia Beach Military Aviation Museum, and actively mentoring the next generation of military members through the Vets and Cadets program.
We’re proud to host the Colonial Chapter of Freedoms Foundations at Valley Forge, an organization that honors past and present  military veterans for the sacrifices they’ve made, as well as educating young children and teens on the principles of patriotism and citizenship. We also partner with a Veterans Representative who comes to Atlantic Shores to share the latest military benefits and programs.

Celebrating Military Veterans is A Year-Round Appreciation

Since our retirement community in Virginia Beach is located in one of the nation’s large military communities, Atlantic Shores residents include a large number of retired men and women from all branches of the military. We hold events honoring our military throughout the month of May and all year-round, such as our annual Veterans Day event and performances by the Virginia International Tattoo. We’re  also home to civilians who have been recognized for making a difference to the readiness and well-being of soldiers on the frontlines. One such resident, Doris C. Baker, taught at German assignment base Bad Toelz for 30 years, serving Special Forces soldiers and their families.

The Month of May is National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM)

It pays tribute to the service of current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and recognizes their role in U.S. history. This annual observance began in 1999, with informal legislation introduced by the late senator and military veteran John McCain. May was chosen as a military awareness month since it already includes a number of important military anniversaries. These national observances honor the contributions of our servicemen and servicewomen and their families in a variety of ways:

  • Loyalty Day [1 May 2021]: A day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States, and to reflect on the heritage of American freedom.
  • Public Service Recognition Week [2 May – 8 May 2021]: The first full week of May honors federal, state, county, and local government employees who work to uphold American values here and around the world.
  • VE Day [8 May 2021]: On 8 May in 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allies. This day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
  • Military Spouse Appreciation Day [7 May 2021]: A day to celebrate military spouses with ceremonies and activities. It honors their sacrifices and the role they play in keeping Armed Forces families strong.
  • Armed Forces Day [15 May 2021]: Celebrated the third Saturday in May, it honors everyone serving in the Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard and other U.S. Military branches.
  • Memorial Day [31 May 2021]: The last Monday in May honors military veterans who died in service. All Americans are encouraged to pause wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time, to observe a minute of silence.

How to Honor and Support Veterans

  • Post a tribute or photo on social media, using #MilitaryAppreciationMonth.
  • Share, like, post, or comment on social media the local events and observances you attend.
  • Display the U.S. flag at your home or business.
  • Thank a person in uniform for their service. Surprise them by paying for their coffee, groceries, or other items if they’re in line with you.
  • Send a care package to a U.S. service member.
  • Donate to a veteran or military organization — no amount is too little.
  • Reach out and support a military veteran or a military family in need.
  • Seek out and promote veteran-run business.

If you’re a retired military veteran or a military spouse, we invite you to experience our active retirement community in Virginia Beach. Schedule a personal tour today. Or call us at 757-716-3000 we are happy to answer any questions about our retirement community.