Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital

Each year, VA medical centers, VA outpatient clinics and state Veterans homes celebrate the National Salute to Veteran Patients during the week of Valentine’s Day. The event provides an opportunity for local celebrities, youth groups, members of the general public and Veterans service organizations to visit Veteran patients.

The purposes of the National Salute to Veteran Patients Program are to:

• pay tribute and express appreciation to Veterans;
• increase community awareness of the VA medical center;
• distribute Valentine’s Day cards to Veteran patients;
• encourage citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans and to become involved as volunteers.

This year, Truman VA will host many groups and individuals from the local community during the National Salute.  Visitors will include representatives from Veteran Service Organizations, schools and businesses.  Those visiting will distribute Valentine’s Day cards.  We are pleased to receive a generous $20,000 donation from the Veterans United Foundation.  This donation will help supplement programs such as programs for homeless Veterans and emergency social work funds for displaced Veterans.

For the 24th consecutive year, the nationally syndicated column started by Ann Landers, now called “Ask Annie,” has devoted a column to the National Salute, asking readers to send Valentine cards and letters to hospitalized Veterans.  More than a million cards and letters are sent to VA patients each year during the Salute. Truman VA receives hundreds of Valentines from Missouri school children and other interested citizens. For more information about the National Salute or to participate, contact the Voluntary Service office at 814-6000 extension 52538.