WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will honor hospitalized Veterans at VA medical centers, clinics and facilities nationwide from Feb. 9-15 during National Salute to Veteran Patients.
This annual observation gives all Americans the chance to thank the more than 9 million Veterans who receive care from VA through volunteering and creating Valentines cards.
“VA values the contributions of our volunteers, donors and partners that help us keep the promise to America’s Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “I encourage more people to reach out to their local VA facility and find ways to volunteer not only during the National Salute to Veteran Patients, all year long.”
Each year, volunteers from schools, community groups and youth organizations nationwide send more than 100,000 Valentine’s cards to VA medical centers for National Salute to Veteran Patients. VA aims to increase awareness of each VA medical center by encouraging citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans, volunteer their time or donate to their local VA facilities.
In 2019, more than 61,000 volunteers provided more than 9.2 million total volunteer hours serving Veterans through VA’s Voluntary Service. Of that, 2,900 volunteers and 520 community organizations participated in National Salute.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to join the mission to honor the sacrifice and service of America’s Veterans during the National Salute or any time of year, visit the nearest VA facility or contact Voluntary Service.
###
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.
More from the Press Room
News Releases
As a part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its Close to Me cancer care program.
News Releases
The Department of Veterans Affairs posted a final rule amending its regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other than honorable conditions or by special court-martial.
News Releases
The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense expanded their existing partnership to allow Veterans, soldiers, cadets, and other beneficiaries to receive care from the Keller Army Community Hospital (KACH) on the West Point Army Installation and at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System.