Texans are being called to action this Valentine’s Day — not for romantic gestures, but to shower the state’s veterans with heartfelt appreciation.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has announced the 2026 “Valentines for Vets” campaign, urging citizens to send Valentine’s Day cards to residents of Texas State Veterans Homes. The initiative aims to honor those who served and ensure they feel remembered on a day typically associated with expressions of love.
“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,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “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.”
The month-long effort, organized by the Veterans Land Board (VLB), seeks to reach nearly 1,000 veterans living in state-run facilities across Texas. It’s not just about the cards themselves, but the message they carry: that these veterans’ service hasn’t faded from public memory, no matter how many years have passed since they wore the uniform.
Can a simple card really make a difference? Veterans home staff consistently report that these personalized messages bring immense joy to residents, many of whom may not receive regular visitors or correspondence.
The campaign has seen impressive growth in recent years. In a previous iteration, the program collected a record-breaking 37,997 Valentine’s cards — nearly 38 cards per veteran, suggesting many Texans recognize the value of this simple gesture.
Buckingham, who serves as both Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board Chairwoman, has positioned the campaign as an accessible way for everyday citizens to participate in veteran appreciation. Schools, businesses, community groups, and individuals are all encouraged to contribute, making it a truly grassroots effort.
The initiative comes at a time when many aging veterans, particularly from the Vietnam and Korean War eras, report feeling increasingly disconnected from younger generations who may not fully grasp the nature of their service and sacrifice.
Those interested in participating can find submission details on the Veterans Land Board’s dedicated campaign webpage, which includes mailing addresses for all ten veterans homes across the state.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the campaign offers a poignant reminder that while chocolates and roses will eventually fade, gratitude for service and sacrifice should endure — one handwritten card at a time.
