Air Force salutes hospitalized veterans

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. David A. Jablonski
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON --  Airmen worldwide are visiting Veterans Affairs medical centers this month to deliver support and encouragement.

They are joining celebrities, civic groups and community leaders during 2004 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans week Feb. 8 to 14. The annual salute honors hospitalized veterans and aims to increase community awareness of VA’s role in providing medical care to the nation’s veterans, and to encourage Americans to visit hospitalized veterans and work as volunteers.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper encouraged Air Force participation in these activities.

“I encourage you to take time to visit our country's hospitalized veterans,” General Jumper said. “Through their courage and patriotism, our veterans made great sacrifices to secure the peace and freedoms we all enjoy. They deserve our gratitude and especially our time as we participate in the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.”

VA Secretary Anthony Principi also led Americans in saying “thank you” to veterans.

“America’s veterans, through their service and unwavering belief in our heritage and freedom, earned the support and gratitude of our nation,” he said. “One of our great strengths is the willingness of Americans to step forward and serve their country in time of need. Your service and sacrifice are testament to that strength. We in the VA are proud of you and proud to serve you.”

The secretary said it is no coincidence this salute takes place in connection with Valentine’s Day.

“This is a most appropriate time for all Americans to join the Department of Veterans Affairs in not only showing respect and appreciation for your service to our nation, but to express our love and affection, as well,” he said.

Visits will take place at VA medical centers, nursing homes, state veterans homes and other facilities. The annual program began in 1978 after VA took over sponsorship in 1974 of a program called No Greater Love, Inc., a humanitarian organization. For 14 years, the late newspaper columnist Ann Landers devoted her column in January to the national salute, asking readers to send Valentine cards and letters to hospitalized veterans at their nearest VA medical centers. According to VA officials, more than 1 million cards and letters are sent to VA patients each year during the salute.