Have you thanked a veteran recently for his or her service and sacrifice to defend America’s freedoms? Now’s your chance during National Salute to Veterans Week, which runs today through Saturday.
Americans are encouraged to say thank you to a very special group of men and women, more than 98,000 veterans of the U.S. armed services, who are cared for every day in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domicillaries and nursing homes.
The purpose of the National Salute to Veterans Program is to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, to increase community awareness of the role of the VA health care system and to encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to become involved as volunteers.
During National Salute to Veterans Week, the VA invites individuals, veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at the VA medical centers or clinics. Activities include cookie deliveries, Valentine for veterans distribution and visits with inpatients.
The community is invited to visit veterans at one of the VA health care facilities within the Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS) that include the following: Omaha VA Medical Center, and community-based outpatient clinics in Lincoln, Grand Island, Holdrege, North Platte and Norfolk.
To visit one of the VA NWIHCS facilities during National Salute to Veterans Week, contact the Voluntary Services Office at 402-995-3283.