Valentines show our heartfelt thanks to veterans

Dear Annie: More than 5.4 million veterans received care in Veterans Affairs health facilities in 2007. This year, the VA will treat more than 774,000 veterans hospitalized in our facilities across the nation. VA’s outpatient clinics, nearly 900 of them, will register more than 60 million visits. From the patient rooms of VA hospitals to the halls of VA outpatient clinics around the country, it is clear to see that freedom isn’t free.

Our veterans have given so much, sacrificed so much and devoted so much on behalf of America, that you’ll find no individual who cherishes freedom more. Our veterans’ devotion to duty and the true spirit of democracy is matched only by the dedication and unyielding support of your readers during the VA National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. It is hard to describe the joy on a veteran’s face when they open a valentine delivered by a caring member of the community, a civic group or scout troop, or perhaps just someone who wants to say “thank you for your service.”

The 2008 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans is from Feb. 10-17. Valentines may be delivered to your local VA hospital, and the address can be found by checking the local phone directory or by visiting www.va.gov/directory and selecting “Find a Facility.” In addition to delivering valentines, why not take a few moments to personally say thank you to a veteran? It’s so easy to do, too. The Voluntary Services Department will be happy to arrange it. It will mean so much to our veterans and bring a true feeling of warmth and satisfaction to the visitor.

Thank you, Annie, for your ongoing support of National Salute. Your column continues to shine the light of hope and caring to our veterans. God bless you. James B. Peake, M.D., Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C.

Dear Secretary Peake: Thank you for allowing us to be part of this wonderful and heartwarming annual project. We can never repay these courageous veterans for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf, but we can take the time to cheer them up and let them know they have not been forgotten.

Readers, please send valentines to our veterans at VA hospitals. Teachers, you have always been wonderfully supportive in making this a class project, especially with those charming and adorable handmade valentines. Encourage your students to display their creativity and let them learn firsthand the satisfaction that comes from doing for others and expressing gratitude.

Last year, students from St. Jude the Apostle grade school in Wynantskill, N.Y., sang songs and distributed valentines and cookies at their local VA. Athletes from Eastern Michigan University men’s wrestling team and women’s golf team visited veterans at the Ann Arbor VA. In Tampa, Fla., students from the Walton Academy for the Performing Arts gave a special musical performance to the veterans. Upward Bound students from Plattsburgh State University visited patients at the VA in Albany, N.Y.

Every year, the dedicated members of Camp Fire USA participate in this VA program, and Salvation Army volunteers distribute valentines, gifts and refreshments to various VA facilities around the country.

The veterans would be especially thrilled if you could spend a few minutes visiting. You don’t have to worry about the conversation — to get started, just ask them to talk about their hometowns. Perhaps they will have pictures of their families on display. Tell them how much you appreciate their service.

If you do not live close enough to a VA facility to drop off your valentines in person, it’s perfectly fine to put them in the mail. Again, the address for the nearest VA hospital is in the phone book or can be found at the VA Web site (va.gov). We rely on our servicemen and women and should never take their service for granted. Please remember our veterans this Valentine’s Day. We know of nothing else that costs so little and brings so much happiness. Marcy and Kathy

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