More than 17,000 Valentine’s Day cards flooded Texas State Veterans Homes this month, bringing smiles to the faces of those who once served their country in uniform.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, who chairs the Veterans Land Board (VLB), announced the impressive response to the state’s “Valentines for Vets” program, which has become a cherished tradition since its launch in 2021.
“As Chairwoman of the VLB, caring for the men and women who served our great nation is one of my most crucial responsibilities,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “Since the program began in 2021, VLB’s Texas State Veterans Homes have received over 77,000 Valentine’s cards and letters from Texans and people across the country. I am proud of the continual outpouring of love from our tremendous communities throughout Texas that have helped show our Veterans how much they are thought of and loved.”
The heartfelt initiative spans all ten Texas State Veterans Homes, with some facilities receiving thousands of cards each. The William R. Courtney home in Temple led the pack with 4,050 valentines, while the Watkins-Logan and Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez homes each received approximately 3,000 expressions of gratitude and affection.
A Tradition of Gratitude
What began as a simple idea to connect veterans with their communities has blossomed into something much larger. The VLB has encouraged Texans to participate in the campaign annually, resulting in tens of thousands of handcrafted messages thanking veterans for their service.
Tony Dale, Executive Secretary of the VLB, expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response. “On behalf of the Veterans Land Board and staff I am deeply grateful to the thousands of Texans who sent more than 17,000 Valentine’s cards to residents across our 10 Texas State Veterans Homes,” he stated. “Your kindness honors our Veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents, lifts spirits, and reaffirms Texas’ enduring respect for those who served our nation—thank you for standing with our heroes.”
But who’s behind these thousands of cards? School children, church groups, civic organizations, and everyday citizens have all contributed to the effort, often including personal messages of gratitude alongside colorful designs.
The initiative reflects Texas’ long-standing commitment to its veteran population. The Lone Star State has provided benefits to veterans since 1836 through the Veterans Land Board, offering more benefits than any other state in the nation.
For many residents in these homes, Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time, particularly for those who have lost spouses or whose families live far away. These cards serve as tangible reminders that they haven’t been forgotten.
As the cards continue to be distributed throughout the veterans homes, staff report that the impact goes beyond just Valentine’s Day itself. Many residents display their cards for weeks or even months afterward, treasuring these connections with the communities they once served.
In a world where digital communication dominates, there’s something powerfully human about a handwritten note of thanks — especially for a generation of veterans who grew up valuing such personal touches.
