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 The National Salute to Veteran Patients Week is an official VA program that is celebrated at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers across the country. While this annual week long celebration, formerly called "No Greater Love Week" and “National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week”, dates back as far as 1978, the "Valentines for Veterans Concert" series was conceived in 2007, and was inspired by a love story between the severely wounded OEF/OIF veteran, Alvis Burns and his wife, Elizabeth. Their marriage, a provincial love story, was challenged by the after-effects of war. Concert organizers met the young man and his wife on Valentine’s Day, when he was being treated at the local VA in Prescott, AZ. They were so compelled by the couple's story that they wanted to do something the following Valentine’s Day to honor the two and all the young men and women who've been injured from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The "Valentines for Veterans Concerts" were the result.
Purpose
The purpose of the National Salute to Veteran Patients Program is to:
- Increase the awareness of the local VA Medical Center in the community
- Increase the awareness in the community of the issues facing injured OEF/OIF veterans and their families
- Encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans during Salute week and consider becoming a VA volunteer
2013 Valentines for Veterans Concert
The Manhattans
Friday, February 15, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Ticket Reservation Hotline
(216) 791-3800 Ext. 5092
Tickets are required for admission limitations and can be obtained by calling the National Salute Ticket Hotline on January 22nd, 23rd or 24th. All callers will get one(1) entry into a drawing to receive two free general admission tickets. Winners will be notified by telephone. Proof of military service is required to receive tickets.
The 2013 concert is a Veterans Appreciation & Welcome Home Celebration featuring The Manhattans. Hosted by the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
The celebration in Cleveland is one of 14 concerts being held across the country as part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, an annual recognition throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs to honor the men and women who served this country in uniform.
The National Salute celebration honors Veterans and promotes volunteerism at VA Medical Center and Outpatient Clinics throughout the country. Timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, the National Salute observance connects the holiday’s sentiments of caring and sharing to expressing honor and appreciation to Veterans.
The Valentines for Veterans Concert also serves as the 7th Annual Welcome Home Celebration for returning Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Valentines for Veterans Concert provides a wonderful opportunity for local community member to come together and show their appreciation for Ohio’s veterans.
In addition to honoring Ohio’s returning Veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as recognizing Veterans from all previous wars and conflicts, the event will provide important information about VA health care services and volunteer opportunities. Before and after the concert, the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center staff members and volunteers will be available in the lobby of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to provide information about VA health care eligibility and enrollment and to assist community members interested in volunteering.
Volunteering
The 2013 National Salute program is scheduled for the week of February 11th – February 15th. During this week, you have the opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women, more than 98,000 Veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes.
During the National Salute, VA invites individuals, civic organizations, businesses and schools, to participate at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA medical center. The activities and events include special ward visits and valentine distributions; photo opportunities; celebrity and dignitary visits; entertainment: singers, dancers, magicians, etc.; special recreation activities and veteran recognition programs.
For more information on how you can help, please contact:
Laquisha Bertrand, Voluntary Service Specialist
(216) 791-3800 Ext. 4018
Diana Browning, Recreation Specialist
(216) 791-3800 Ext. 5116
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