Dear Annie: Among my joys as President Barack Obama’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs is the chance to see the expressions of gratitude from Americans of all walks of life for the service and sacrifices made by our military veterans. This happens every day — from small gestures of thanks to hours of volunteer service at our many veterans facilities.

As Americans, we owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform on our behalf. Veterans always appreciate heartfelt recognition of their service.

Each February, many of your readers join us in the National Salute to Veteran Patients. This program encourages Americans to visit and volunteer at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and to send letters of thanks or valentines to those who have protected our nation. This year’s national salute is Feb. 12-18. Last year, more than 328,000 valentines were received at VA medical centers, and 21,330 people visited nearly 70,000 veteran patients. That was an overwhelming increase from 2009, and I thank you and your readers for your work in bringing attention to this worthy cause.

The purpose of the national salute is threefold: to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, to increase community awareness of the role of VA medical centers, and to encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and become involved as volunteers. Since 1978, the salute has presented Americans another opportunity to say “thank you” to our veterans and to those who give them care. I encourage your thoughtful readers to take some time this February to honor our veterans. And once again, Annie, thank you for your support of this outstanding program.

For more information regarding the National Salute to Veteran Patients and volunteer opportunities at a local VA medical center, please visit the VA Voluntary Service Web page at www.volunteer.va.gov.

— Sincerely, Eric K. Shinseki

Dear Secretary Shinseki: Every year, our readers make us proud with their outpouring of appreciation for our veterans through the Valentines for Vets program. We know they will come through again.

Support for our veterans transcends politics. These men and women deserve our thanks and appreciation. Sending a valentine or, better yet, visiting our veterans or volunteering at one of the VA medical facilities is a wonderful way to express our gratitude to those who have served our country. The veterans would be especially thrilled if you could spend a few minutes visiting and talking about their families and hometowns. Tell them how much you appreciate their service. Teachers, you have always been wonderfully supportive in making this a class project, especially with those charming and much-appreciated handmade valentines. Encourage your students to express their creativity while learning the satisfaction of doing for others.

Every year, the dedicated members of Camp Fire USA participate in this VA program, and Salvation Army volunteers distribute valentines, gifts and refreshments at various VA facilities around the country. Concerts and other programs are held across the country as part of the National Salute to Veteran Patients week festivities.

If you do not live close enough to a VA facility to drop off your valentines in person, it’s perfectly OK to put them in the mail. Simply check your phone book for the nearest VA facility, or go to the VA website at www.va.gov. We can never repay these courageous veterans for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf, but we can take the time to let them know they have not been forgotten. Please remember our veterans this Valentine’s Day. We know of nothing else that costs so little and brings so much happiness.

— Marcy and Kathy

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Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Email your questions to [email protected], or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

— Creators Syndicate Inc.

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