Nicholson Urged Youth Groups, Schools to Sponsor Events
WASHINGTON -- With national “Salute to Hospitalized Veterans” Week being celebrated in communities all across the country Feb. 11-17, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson encouraged schools and youth groups to commemorate the sacrifices of America’s veterans.
“Thank you is one of the most eloquent phrases in the English language,” Nicholson said. “It is important that our nation’s young people learn to honor the men and women who have worn the uniforms of the U.S. armed forces.”
With 155 major medical centers, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the country. In independent evaluations of health care, VA’s patients consistently score higher in customer satisfaction than their private-sector peers.
Despite the high quality of VA’s health care, Nicholson pointed out that many veterans, especially those with life-long health problems related to their military service, deeply appreciate knowing that their neighbors and the youngsters in their communities value those sacrifices.
“Salute to Hospitalized Veterans” Week is traditionally held the same week as Valentine’s Day. Part of the week’s events is “Valentines for Veterans,” a program to encourage people to send valentines to patients in VA hospitals.
During the week, VA officials also encourage people to become volunteers in one of the department’s medical centers or outpatient clinics. Volunteers can sign up by visiting a VA health care facility, calling VA’s toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000 or going to the department’s Web site at www.va.gov and clicking “Health Care.”
Currently, 88,000 active volunteers serve veterans in VA facilities across the country.
