Veterans Day, observed every year on November 11, is the American holiday that honors everyone who has served in the United States armed forces. It began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 so that a grateful nation could pay homage to the veterans of all its wars. It is different from Memorial Day, which remembers those who died in service.
A few sincere words can mean a great deal to a veteran. This collection offers short thank you quotes, reflections on service and sacrifice from presidents, a general, and writers, messages for family members who served, and captions for cards and posts. For more thoughtful lines this month, visit our November quotes.
Here are 40 Veterans Day quotes and messages to thank those who served.
Short Thank You Quotes for Veterans
Simple, heartfelt words to tell a veteran you are grateful, plus a few lines from American leaders.
- Thank you for your service, and thank you for your sacrifice.
- Because of you, we live in freedom. Thank you.
- Your courage will never be forgotten.
- We honor your service this Veterans Day and always.
- Thank you for answering the call when it mattered most.
- “America has many glories. The last one that she would wish to surrender is the glory of the men who have served her in war.” (Calvin Coolidge, "America and the War," 1920)
- Your service made a difference, and we are thankful for it.
- Thank you for protecting what we hold dear.
- “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.” (Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address, 1865)
- “On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower, Veterans Day Proclamation, 1954)
Inspirational Quotes About Service and Sacrifice
Words on duty, courage, and remembrance from presidents, a general, and writers whose lines have endured, alongside a few original thoughts.
- Service is a promise kept long after the uniform comes off.
- “The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.” (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- Freedom lives on in the people who are willing to protect it.
- Courage is quiet, and it often looks like simply showing up.
- Sacrifice is the price of every freedom we enjoy.
- “From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- “The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.” (William Shakespeare, Henry V)
- “At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.” (Laurence Binyon, "For the Fallen," 1914) - “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” (John F. Kennedy, Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1963)
Veterans Day Messages for Family Members Who Served
Personal words for the father, mother, grandparent, spouse, or sibling who served, ready to write in a card.
- Dad, thank you for serving our country. I am proud to be your child.
- Grandpa, your stories of service taught me what courage and duty really mean.
- Mom, you served with strength and grace, and I am so proud to call you my mother.
- To my husband, thank you for the sacrifices you made for me and for our country.
- To my wife, thank you for serving, and for bringing that strength home to our family.
- To my brother, thank you for putting your country first. I am proud of you every day.
- To my sister, your service inspires me. Thank you for everything you gave.
- Grandma, thank you for answering the call. Our whole family is proud of you.
- To my uncle, thank you for your service and for the quiet strength you share with all of us.
- To the veteran in our family, we may not say it enough, but we are grateful for you.
Veterans Day Captions for Social Posts and Cards
Short, respectful captions for photos, posts, and the front of a card. For more brief seasonal lines, see our short November quotes.
- Thank you, veterans.
- Honoring all who served.
- With gratitude and respect today.
- Proud of every veteran in our family.
- Grateful for those who served.
- Today and every day, thank you.
- Gratitude for the brave.
- Grateful beyond words, proud beyond measure.
- Honoring their service on November 11.
- To every veteran, thank you.
How to Use These Veterans Day Quotes
Write It in a Card
A handwritten note stays with a veteran for years. Choose a family message or a short thank you and sign it with your name.
Say It in Person
The simplest words, spoken face to face, are often the most meaningful. Look the veteran in the eye and say thank you.
Share a Respectful Caption
Pair a short caption with a photo of a flag, a poppy, or a family member who served. Keep the tone warm and sincere. For more ways to say thanks, see our gratitude quotes.
Let Gratitude Last All Month
Veterans Day is one day, but thankfulness can continue through November. Our grateful quotes offer more words for every day.
FAQ
When is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Veterans Day honors all who have served in the armed forces, living or deceased. Memorial Day remembers those who died while serving.
What should I say to a veteran on Veterans Day?
A sincere "Thank you for your service" is always welcome. Adding a few personal words about what their service means to you makes it even more meaningful.
Are the attributed quotes accurate?
Yes. Each quote was checked against the original speech, proclamation, or text, and the author and source are listed beside it.
Where can I find more quotes for the season?
Browse our Thanksgiving quotes for more words of thanks as November continues.
Conclusion
Veterans Day is a time to pause and say thank you to the people who stood up to serve. A kind word, a card, or a simple caption can show that their sacrifice is remembered. We hope these quotes help you honor the veterans in your life with the respect they deserve.
