Veterans Day at Senior Living Community in Virginia Beach!

Military veterans have a special place in our hearts, and Veterans Day is yet another cause for communitywide appreciation and celebration. We’re known for being a veteran-friendly senior living community, and we’re proud to have military veterans and their spouses among our residents. Many of them were stationed in Virginia Beach at one time and have fond memories of this area, and we’re grateful they’ve chosen to retire here. Adding to our appeal is our proximity to military amenities such as the Commissary and the Navy Exchange, and the fact that we recognize and support many veteran activities within our community.

Retirement Community in Virginia Beach for Retired Veterans

Many veterans and their spouses find a senior living community like ours an invigorating setting for independent living. They have an instant camaraderie with other veteran families that makes our retirement community in Virginia Beach feel like home right away. Because veterans share experiences that non-veterans don’t, being among other people who understand helps feel a sense of connection that wards off any feelings of loneliness or isolation. The testimonials of our residents bear this out.

“My husband, a 24-year Air Force veteran, and I moved to Atlantic Shores in October 2016. We decided to tour three retirement communities in Virginia Beach, but after seeing Atlantic Shores, we threw away the names of the others. We chose to live in a villa on the big lake, and we love it! We’ve met wonderful folks through the years but feel we’ve never lived in a friendlier environment. We’ve made friends quickly and treasure these friendships.” — Carolyn and Chuck, residents.

Retired veterans appreciate our location in Virginia Beach, close to many military installations and military life amenities. Through our robust calendar of activities, events and outings, we provide many opportunities to meet the diverse, accomplished and well-traveled veteran and non-veteran residents who live here. Our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) also gives veterans more control over their finances and less stress about finding quality health care if they need it. We offer top-rated senior living options on-site, including assisted living, memory care, and post-acute care such as skilled nursing and rehabilitation.

Talk to a resident Bob Sage, and you’ll learn about the unique options we offer to own or lease a home at Atlantic Shores. Hear what he likes about ownership, and the luxurious programs, services and amenities he enjoys in our senior living community here. Equity ownership brings with it voting rights and the ability to actively influence our community’s growth and management. Annually renewing leases provide the same access to services and amenities as ownership does, along with flexible financial options. You’ll find more details here.

What is Veterans Day?

World War 1 ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the armistice with Germany went into effect. To commemorate this event, November 11 was proclaimed Armistice Day and observed annually to mark the end of the war. It became a federal holiday, later renamed Veterans Day, and honors those who’ve served and continue to serve in the United States armed forces. It’s celebrated across the country in a variety of ways.

Expressing your appreciation

How do you plan to celebrate Veterans Day this year?
Here are a few idea:

• Say thank-you
  Express your appreciation in person or with a thank-you card. It only takes a few minutes and can make all the difference in the world to a veteran or deployed service member. Contact a nearby base or an organization like USO to send a care package filled with treats and reminders of home to a service member overseas.
• Fly the flag
  While you may display a U.S. flag year-round, it takes on special significance on days such as this day. Just make sure you’re observing the proper rules for handling and display of our national emblem.
• Observe the national moment of silence
  The Veterans Day Moment of Silence calls on all Americans to observe two minutes of silence, beginning at 3:11 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time. Place your hand over your heart, and take this time to honor and reflect on the service and sacrifice made through the history of our nation.
• Attend a parade
  Show up to applaud service members during a parade event. Most local communities hold remembrance ceremonies and pay tribute to their own service members. Check out what Virginia Beach will be doing.
• Talk with a veteran
  Chatting with retired veterans is a great way to brighten their day, and you’re probably going to hear fascinating stories about their time in the service. If you don’t know someone who’s a veteran, consider contacting a local senior living community or Veterans Affairs office to make a connection. Many are grateful for the chance to talk about their service. They’re proud to have served their country and will feel appreciated when you want to learn more. Bear in mind that not all will wish to share their experiences about taking part in war, as it can stir up painful memories.

Here are a few questions to help you strike up a conversation:

•   Why did you pick the service branch you joined?
•   Were you awarded any medals? How did you get them?
•   Did you ever visit the Virginia Beach area while in the service?
•   What did you do when you were on leave?
•   Where did you travel while in the service?
•   Did you make friendships in the service or where you traveled?
•   Did you continue any of those relationships?

Donate to a Veteran’s Charity

Supporting a veterans charity or service organization that resonates with you can be a fulfilling way to say thank-you. There are many reputable ones that accept donations of different kinds. Whether you decide to help by giving your money, time or talent, make sure the cause you support is legitimate by checking it on a website such as CharityWatch, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, or Charity Navigator.

Over the past 25 years, it’s been our honor to serve hundreds of veterans and their spouses in our independent living community in Virginia Beach. We always look forward to Veterans Day when we can honor all those in uniform with special ceremonies and celebrations. Won’t you join us for our annual program? Call one of our team members at 757-716-3000 for details or consider scheduling a personal visit.