Respect Over Reach: Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the courage and service of U.S. military veterans. For businesses and brands, it’s also a day that requires sensitivity and sincerity in how you show support on social media. If you’re wondering what to post, or what not to, here are a few tips to ensure your message is respectful, authentic, and meaningful.

Here’s why:

1. Honor, Don't Advertise

Veterans Day is not the time to focus on promotions or sales unless they are directly related to giving back to veterans. Posting a generic “Veterans Day Sale!” without context can come across as opportunistic. If you’re running a special offer for veterans or donating proceeds, explain it with clarity and purpose.

2. Share Stories

If someone on your team is a veteran, or a client is willing to share their story, consider highlighting their experience (with permission). Personal narratives are powerful, and showcasing the people behind your business adds authenticity.

3. Say Thank You

Sometimes, the simplest posts are the most effective. A heartfelt “Thank you to all who have served” can go a long way, especially when paired with a patriotic image, a U.S. flag, or a community-focused message.

4. Support Local Events or Charities

Highlight local Veterans Day parades, fundraisers, or organizations doing great work for veterans in your area. You can link to donation pages or encourage your followers to attend events.

5. Use Meaningful Imagery and Tones

Avoid cliché graphics or overly stylized visuals. Instead, use real photos, minimal text, and a tone of humility and appreciation.

What To Avoid:

• Making the post about your brand

• Using stock photos of generic “military” imagery

• Scheduling without context (review the post before it goes live!)

• Overusing hashtags - keep it simple and relevant: #VeteransDay #ThankYouForYourService

Final Thoughts:

At Hightower Social, we prioritize authenticity over algorithms—especially on days of national importance. If you’re unsure how to approach your social media content for holidays like Veterans Day, we’re here to help you post with purpose, not pressure.