Tips for making Valentines for Veterans

Showing love and respect for Canadian veterans all year long...

You don't have to be an accomplished artist to get creative and make Valentines for our nation's Veterans. Some thought and appreciation goes a long way to making a Veteran's day!

We ask that you:

1. Please do not include or attach any candy or chocolate with the Valentines.
   
2. Try not to use materials that can easily break away from your Valentine. Your Valentines are sent to facilities all across Canada, and it is important that your Valentine remain as beautiful when the Veteran receives it as it did the moment it was made.
3. Tell the Veteran a little bit about yourself, for example, your age, what school you attend, but please do not include addresses or phone numbers.
4. Do not put your valentine in a sealed envelope.
5. Remember to sign your valentine.

So, here are some helpful tips to get you started:

1. Tell the Veteran why it's important, this year and every year, to celebrate those who served us in times of war. Tell the Veteran what you want or plan to do this year to remember our nation's proud war history.
2. Include a message to the Veteran, telling him/her the reason why you want to wish him/her a Happy Valentine's Day. Greetings often thank the Veteran for his/her service to Canada, his/her sacrifice and his/her commitment to our country and our citizens.
3. Include a poem in the Valentine. The poem can be an original or one of significance to Valentine's Day or to Veterans, for example, "In Flanders Field".
4. You can choose to send in a store-bought Valentine, but hand-crafted cards add a nice personal touch and are extra special to Veterans.
5. Valentines of all shapes, sizes, and colours are welcome. But, Valentines that are a greeting-card size are easy to package and distribute to the long-term care and other facilities where Veterans reside.

Message Ideas

Here are a few ideas to get you started...

V is for Valentines for Vets

A is for all of Canada's brave Veterans

L is for Veterans in Long-term care facilities.

E is for Each of your heroic efforts.

N is for the New Veterans Charter

T is for Teaching youth.

I is for students, organizations and Individuals sending valentine tributes.

N is for the Numerous ways we appreciate you.

E is for-Thanks for Everything!

S is for your valiant Sacrifices.

Here are some messages Veterans received in past years...

• "Thank you for your bravery and courage in the war, without your courageous acts we may not be here today."
• "Thank you for risking your life for my freedom. May God bless you all."
• "I am sending you a special Valentine wish. I want to let you know how much you are appreciated, and thought of often."
• "A card made for someone special, who changed the world for the better; and for that you will always be loved, remembered, and treasured."
• "Here is a card from someone who cares. Thank you for what you did for our country. If you ever feel sad or depressed, you can read this card and think of me. Here's a hug for you!"
• "For someone special, who's changed the world for the better; You are loved and appreciated and thought of often!"