Veterans Health Administration

Lee Greenwood

 And I’m proud to be an American
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died
who gave that right to me. 

When Lee Greenwood sings those stirring lyrics this month at a VA Medical Center in the hills of South Dakota, there will be hugs and salutes and tears.

Country star Greenwood will join thousands of Americans the week of Valentine’s Day saluting Veteran patients at VA facilities across America.

This Valentine’s Day, many Veterans who fought to preserve our freedoms will be hospitalized, receiving the medical care they earned, but separated from the homes and communities they defended. No one should be alone on Valentine’s Day, and with the help of a grateful nation, no Veteran has to be.

VA’s National Salute to Veteran Patients is observed annually during the week of Valentine’s Day, a day of caring and sharing which underscores the Salute’s expression of honor and appreciation to inpatient and outpatient Veterans.

This year’s observance will be February 8-14.

The salute kicks off each year with VA’s popular Valentines for Veterans program. Individuals, Veterans’ groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars traditionally deliver valentines or visit the more than 98,000 Veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in VA medical facilities, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and community living centers.

Volunteer Throughout the Year

While the salute is always held in mid-February, Americans have the chance to show their appreciation to Veterans all year by volunteering their time or donating to VA medical facilities throughout the year. No medical experience is necessary and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas how they would like to give back using their unique skills.

To find opportunities, visit your nearest VA medical facility or visit www.volunteer.va.gov.

No one should be alone on Valentine’s Day.

Dominic Chianese

Each year, a celebrity is chosen as the National Salute Chairperson to focus public attention on the National Salute program’s purpose and encourage public participation. This year, Dominic Chianese, film and television actor, best known for his role as Corrado “Uncle Junior” Soprano on the HBO television series, The Sopranos, is Chairperson.

Concerts Schedule

The Kentucky Headhunters
John J. Pershing VAMC
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
February 13

The Miracles
Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center
Columbus, Ohio
February 14

The Miracles
VA St. Louis Health Care System
St. Louis, Missouri
February 21

Lee Greenwood
Sioux Falls VA Health Care System
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
February 21

LBC Band
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, Ohio
February 28

Chianese is currently scheduled to be the Master of Ceremony for both the Columbus and Cleveland concerts.