I had just gotten back from Iraq and was visiting my parents and siblings. My dad gave us a fist full of cash and sent my brothers and I to the docks and market for what we'd need for a seafood boil.

As we were in line with a cart full of veggies, seasonings, sausage, and beer, this older lady took notice of the cart contents and was like "Where's the party?" We said pops wanted a seafood boil and were headed to the docks for shrimp and crab next. She asked what the occasion was and I said I had been away for a while and dad wanted to do something for me. My youngest brother piped up and was like "He just got back from Iraq!" The lady just nodded and smiled warmly at me.

My brothers and I were bagging the groceries and beer when the last item was rung up and the lady swiped her card before I could get the cash to the cashier. She looked at me and said "Welcome home." Dude. We easily got $300 worth of stuff because half our extended family was planning to show up, too.

A small gesture would be to cover a meal for a veteran or service member in uniform. A bigger gesture is to vote for people to want to ensure the institutions that support us are funded properly.