"Thank you for your bravery and courage in the war, without your courageous acts we may not be here today."

Seven years ago the first group of heart warming valentine messages, like this one, flowed into the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Head Office from Canadians all across the country. As part of the "Valentines for Vets" project initiated by syndicated newspaper columnist Ann Landers, these tokens of remembrance and gratitude brought smiles to the faces of Veterans all across our nation.

Each year, Ann Landers encouraged her readers to create special valentines for Veterans in care facilities throughout the United States and Canada. Sadly, Ms. Landers passed away last year, but VAC is committed to continuing on with her legacy, inviting readers to send valentines to Veterans Affairs Canada's Head Office in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Valentines will be sorted and repackaged for distribution to Veterans in care facilities where VAC has departmental and contract beds, in time for Valentines Day.

Last year's program saw more than 2,000 valentines distributed. Many of the valentine greetings and heartfelt thanks were submitted by teachers and children in classrooms from coast to coast to coast, like this one from a Grade 1 teacher in St-Bruno, Quebec, "We thank you for your many efforts and sacrifices. We feel secure and safe because you made sure that we do. With much gratitude and appreciation."

In fact, thousands of Canadians took the time to create valentine messages for the Veterans of Canada. "Though we have never met, this is just a line to say that you have not been forgotten. We will remember," writes a Second World War Veteran from Willowdale, Ontario. Cards received from individual Canadians often contained personal reflections. From Red Deer, Alberta, "I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the sacrifices you have made for me and my family, as well as this country. It is important for me to tell you this, so you know I think of you all the time. My uncle (who has passed on) served in WWII and suffered greatly from his war time injuries. I pray for you all the time."

Response to the "Valentines for Vets" program has been remarkable. "On every Valentines Day, staff, volunteers and residents gather for a special afternoon tea and distribute the cards to all our residents, the response we receive from everyone is so wonderful," writes a Lifestyles and Community Services Coordinator in Victoria, British Columbia. These small tokens of valentines greeting and appreciation encourage Canadians to remember our Veterans every day of the year. Each year, notes are received from care facility administrators, noting the efforts of those who take the time to send valentines to Veterans are appreciated, "Please pass on our thanks to the wonderful children whose creative valentines were so well received by our Veterans.... The party was extra special because of the valentines and made the Veterans feel good to be remembered on a day that celebrates love."