This year will be the 36th anniversary of the “Valentines for Vets” Program. This tradition began in 1989 with syndicated columnist Ann Landers suggesting valentine cards be sent to Veterans in Veteran Medical Clinics nationwide.   

On any given day, there are over 50,000 Veterans hospitalized or living in VA facilities.  These men and women served in W.W.II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf Wars and in these areas of Armed Hostilities; Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq.  

“We can never repay these valiant Veterans for the sacrifices they and their families have made, but we can do something to insure they know they are remembered,” organizers stated. 

The staff at the Colorado Veteran Community Living Center at Homelake in Monte Vista encourages people to send or drop off a letter, poster or card to its residents. If you are a teacher, this may lend itself to a class project. Posters, handmade cards or personalized notes would be most welcomed and treasured. 

“For our residents, being remembered and appreciated for their part in serving and protecting their country, would truly be a wonderful Valentine gift. Due to the privacy act regulations, specific resident names cannot be provided by our facility but a general card would be very welcome,” organizers stated. 

For more information, call Colorado Veteran Community Living Center at Homelake and speak to Pam Self or Melanie Squire at 719-852-5118. Mailing address is: CVCLC Homelake, PO Box 97, Homelake, CO  81135.