It’s easy to say “thank you for your service” to an American veteran and continue a moment later.

But what about a true, meaningful connection that really lasts?

This year on Veterans Day, a leading company is hoping that Americans, no matter where they are or who they are, will go beyond the simple words of “thank you” and become “intentional by showing their appreciation to our country’s military” through a healthy act of connection.

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USAA – which serves more than 13.5 million members of the U.S. military, as well as veterans who have honorably served, and their families – is calling for a “national moment of gratitude” on Monday, November 11 in 11 a.m. local time.

The effort is part of the Texas-based company’s larger “Go BeyondThanks” campaign. As more veterans in the United States struggle with mental health problems“Connecting with our veterans is becoming more and more important,” the company told Fox News Digital.

USAA had the opportunity to host the Medal of Honor recipients at the company’s headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. The employees are shown gathered to fire them. (USAA)

And younger veterans, in particular, often feel uncomfortable or embarrassed when people simply say “thank you,” the company found.

Matt Shifrin, 20 years old US Army Veteran who serves as executive director and chief of staff to the CEO of USAA, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview, “There are more than 17 million veterans living in the United States today. And while that seems like a lot, there are more than 300 million people living in the United States. In the United States, there is sometimes a small divide between those who have served and those who have not served. »

“You could ask the veterans how they’re doing.”

To bridge this gap, “we’re asking people to try to go beyond thanking people.” this veterans day and connect with veterans in the community,” he said – “whether it’s teachers, police officers or people you work with who have served. »

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One way to do that, he suggested, is to ask a veteran to share details of their service.

Sgt. William Pekrul, a World War II veteran, gestures during the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 17, 2024. (Reuters/Mike Segar)

“You might ask them where they served, what they did for the country and how they are doing.”

In turn, veterans can return the favor, he said, and ask others about their work. their life, their own contributions, both locally and nationally, whatever those contributions are, “even what keeps them up at night,” he said.

“I think we’re going to find that there are a lot of similarities between the two groups,” he said.

“This is one team – and this effort can bring us together as a country.”

Another way to show gratitude: stop by a Local American Legion or VFW publication or event. Go through a VA hospital. Ask community centers about events for veterans. It’s about being intentional, USAA said.

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Still other ways are to send a text message, make a phone call, or visit a veteran one-on-one.

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) John Richardson and his fellow USAA veterans lead more than 400 USAA employees in an October event, where participants gain a better understanding of the military community that ‘they serve. (USAA)

Regardless, the goal is to “create a meaningful and supportive bond with our veterans.”

Shifrin added: “America does not function without those who choose to serve and without those at home doing the hard work, generating the economic engine that makes us so capable, providing support to veterans and bringing them together. – and this effort can bring us together as a country. »

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He added: “It’s worth taking the time to do a little more than just ‘Thank you’. Serving is a defining moment in people’s lives and most people, we have found, are generally willing to talk about their service. »

He said interaction and connection can help heal “invisible wounds” that many veterans carry with them.

“We really hope to start building those relationships between people.”

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Added Air Force Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bob LaBrutta, vice president of survival and claims at USAA, “As Veterans Day parades and celebrations decreases compared to years past, in addition to thanking us for our service and offering discounts on sales, we have found that many Americans do not know how to show their appreciation to our country’s veterans,” a- he noted in a press release.

Another way to show gratitude, USAA advises: Stop by a local American Legion or VFW post or event. Go through a VA hospital. Ask community centers about events for veterans. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

He added that no matter what activity they do, people can take some time for veterans who have served the nation.

“It’s a deeply ingrained mantra in the military: Look left and look right to make sure your battle buddies, your shipmates, your evil dogs, your wingmen, your guards or your coasters are okay.”

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More information about the campaign can be found on various social media platforms at #GoBeyondThanks.

A coalition created by USAA, Face the Fight, is also responsible for raising awareness and support for veterans and service members. suicide prevention.

For more health stories, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Founded in 1922, USAA is a leading provider of insurance, banking and retirement solutions in the United States.