Veterans Day: 8 Online Ways to Thank Our Troops (Mashable)

Today, Veterans Day, we honor those who defend our country. Our service members remind us that there are few things more important than doing what we can to make a difference in the lives of others.

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Social media has become an essential tool for veterans and veterans and families to keep in touch and find support. Here are a few ways you can give back to veterans, reflect on this day and say thanks online. Don't forget, you can always tag your tweets #HappyVeteransDay too!

The Veterans History Project is an online collection of American war veterans' accounts so that future generations can hear directly from service members and better understand the realities of war.

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The U.S. Military Facebook page helps millions of military personnel, veterans and families stay connected. The page has launched its "A Nation Gives Thanks" app, which gives people the opportunity to thank active military members, veterans and their families for their service.

The History Channel has taken to Twitter for its new Thank a Vet social campaign. Tweeting #thankavet adds your message to the History Channel wall of thanks on its website.

Google for Veterans and Families was created by Google employees who have served, along with their families and friends. The interface combines Google products and platforms as a resource for vets and their families. Tools such as VetConnect help service members communicate and share their experiences with others via Google+. Google is currently working on Tour Builder, which will allow veterans to build 3D maps of the places they served, then personalize with photos, videos and stories.

If you're attending a memorial service or Veterans Day celebration this weekend, or if you're part of a service family, be sure to check in on Foursquare. The location-based social network has created a Service badge to honor veterans.

CNN iReport is using Facebook collaboratively to honor vets this year. Users can upload photos of veterans and tag "CNN iReport" for the photo to appear on the Facebook page. CNN iReport has then taken the best submissions from Facebook to post on the "Honor a Veteran" page on CNN's website.

The personalized stationary company Tiny Prints has teamed up with AMillionThanks.org on its Holiday for Heroes" or "Brave Blessings"

Last, but not least, today Amazon is giving a free MP3 download of Veterans Day Honor, an album to celebrate and honor those who have served. The free album includes 12 songs preformed by military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. The album will be full price again starting tomorrow, November 12.

Images courtesy of Flickr, royal19, and iStockphoto, CostinT

This story originally published on Mashable here.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/internet/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/mashable/20111111/tc_mashable/veterans_day_8_online_ways_to_thank_our_troops

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