In a heartwarming call to action, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has launched the 2026 “Valentines for Vets” campaign, urging Texans to show their appreciation for veterans through handcrafted Valentine’s cards that will brighten the days of those who served our nation.
The Veterans Land Board (VLB) officially announced the campaign on February 4, encouraging citizens across the state to create and send Valentine’s cards to residents at Texas’ 10 State Veterans Homes. “We are the land of the free because of the brave. This Valentine’s Day, I encourage Texans to show appreciation for our Veterans by sending cards to our 10 Texas State Veterans Homes,” Commissioner Buckingham stated in the announcement.
Last year’s campaign set a high bar. With nearly 38,000 valentines delivered to veterans across the state facilities, 2025 marked a record-breaking year of participation. Officials hope to exceed that impressive number in the coming weeks as schools, organizations, and individuals prepare their heartfelt messages for delivery.
“Anyone can send a card through the VLB’s Valentines for Vets campaign, including schoolchildren, co-workers, families, and friends. Each Valentine sent will remind our heroes that their courageous sacrifices will never be forgotten,” Buckingham explained in her public remarks.
How to Participate
Want to join the effort? There’s still time, but not much. Cards must be postmarked by Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to ensure timely delivery to veterans before Valentine’s Day. The VLB has emphasized that senders should include “Valentines for Vets” in the mailing address to help ensure proper routing to the state’s veterans homes.
For those seeking inspiration or templates, the Texas General Land Office has made the process even easier by providing printable Valentine’s Day card designs on their website. These ready-to-print options offer a convenient starting point for anyone pressed for time but eager to participate.
The initiative has sparked broader community involvement across Texas. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is hosting a dedicated card-making event for students and community members to create valentines for veterans at the Temple VA Center, directly supporting Commissioner Buckingham’s campaign.
Beyond Cards: Community Action
The campaign has also become intertwined with larger service initiatives. The Travis Manion Foundation, named after a fallen Marine officer, is organizing Valentines for Vets events in both McKinney and Keller, Texas. These gatherings are part of the foundation’s “Operation Legacy,” which honors veterans and fallen heroes through local service projects.
In McKinney specifically, the foundation’s event will honor LT Brendan Looney, USN, connecting personal stories of sacrifice to the broader mission of veteran recognition.
The simplicity of a valentine might seem quaint in our digital age. Yet for many veterans, especially those in long-term care facilities, these tangible expressions of gratitude provide meaningful connections to the communities they served. A handwritten note, a colorful drawing from a child, or even a mass-produced card with a personal message can offer powerful reminders that their service hasn’t been forgotten.
As the February 10 deadline approaches, Commissioner Buckingham’s message resonates: in the midst of our busy lives, taking a moment to craft a valentine for a veteran represents a small but significant way to honor those who have sacrificed for our freedoms – proving that sometimes, the simplest gestures carry the most profound impact.
