The VA National Salute to Veteran Patients "Valentines for Veterans Concert" is celebrated during the week of Valentine's Day each year at VA medical facilities nationwide.

This wonderful program - with its inaugural Concert in 2007 - began with a live performance by The Platters featuring Elmer Armstrong. Little Anthony and The Imperials, a 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, have performed at several Valentines for Veterans Concerts and are ardent supporters of the initiative.

The purpose of the week-long celebration is to pay tribute to our veterans, increase awareness of the needs of hospitalized veterans, and provide the public with an additional opportunity to express their appreciation for the sacrifices of America's veterans. The Concerts are also a great way for veterans and their families to share time together. The divorce statistics of OIF/OEF (Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom) are staggering - something the public is largely unaware of. The Concert events bring an awareness to this issue, often leading to corporate partnerships and sponsorships to further promote the needs of veterans. In addition, VA volunteering is promoted at all Concert locations and during the 2009 events, which took place in four cities, 85 volunteers were recruited.

While the Concerts are free, tickets are required. Due to the success of the Concert events thus far, the demand for show tickets has been tremendous.

Image below: Little Anthony and The Imperials performing a Valentines for Veterans Concert at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, February 2009.