America’s veterans carry a heavy burden for their service and right now too many of them are facing unthinkable challenges. And when veterans are hurting their families are hurting. They need to hear from you today.
Take the Pledge
Let our country’s brave service members, veterans, and their families know that their service matters – today, tomorrow, and always.
Messages of Support
"Thank you for your service and sacrifice so that we in America and other countries could be free. My father, brothers and cousins and many family members before them were all veterans. May God bless you each and everyone"
Martha from Myrtle Creek, OR
"It is an honor to share a few words of gratitude to you and your family for your service to our country. Our family proudly served and continues to serve today. God Bless you all."
Christine from Toledo, Ohio
"Thank you sure doesn't seem very much for all you have done and sacrificed. Prayers to God for your safe keeping, for His help and guidance not only during your service, but especially upon your return to your home. May you find the help you need that will benefit you the best."
Roberta R from Everett, WA
"The brave men and women who serve have saved my life. Thank you for your service, and thank you for carrying what you do. You can give your burdens to God now. You are loved and you are never alone."
Anna Lisa from Seattle, WA
Rita from Springfield, OR
Jerome from Seymour, Wisconsin
"I just want to say how thankful I am for all of our hero’s who served and are currently serving. We greatly appreciate all you do for this country and we honor you every day. Thank you"
Maddie from Leawood, Kansas
"Having family that served in all branches of the armed forces during war and peace time over the last 60 years, I can honestly say this from the depths of my soul, THANK YOU for your service. Know that those of us back home are always thinking of you and praying for your safe return."
Rhonda from Cicero, NY
"Thank you for the sacrifice you make to keep our country. Each of you is a true hero ❤️"
Carol from Washoe Valley, Nevada
"Thank you for picking up the torch of freedom for this country that we all love. A country of hope to all in the world who seek refuge from tyranny. You now follow in the path I followed for 20 years. Keep strong, gain the power that God has given you to do what is right. God Bless."
Nicky from Las Vegas, Nevada
"Thank you!"
Jennifer from Crossville, TN
"Caregivers keep hanging in there. It is not easy taking care of a veteran. My veteran is a disabled Vietnam War who is not aware when he is having a PTSD episode. I am the one enduring it and having to realize what is happening. God gives us the strength to keep taking care of His loved ones."
Rebecca from Tangent, OR
"I have friends that are Veterans and I am honored to call them friends. I am so very grateful for the sacrifices you and your family do for us. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!!!"
Lilia from Fremont, California
"I am grateful to you, for creating and maintaining and upholding my freedom to live peacefully in my country. Thank you"
Shannon from Los Angeles, CA
"I so appreciate for your service to keep all our families and our country safe from terrorist we are greatly appreciative for your services and your family services to keep us all safe thank you very much for your services"
LaDonna from Richardson, Texas
"Thank you to all of my heroes out there I appreciate what you have done for me and my family You will always be in my thoughts and prayers You and your family have sacrificed so much for our freedom as a fellow American I would love to say thank you To all of my veterans and military personnel"
Kimberly Ann from Sorrento, Fla
"Thank you for your sacrifice and service that you and your family has given to our country. I know that many holidays and birthdays are spent without your loved ones but you are not forgotten. To the care givers that are there day in and day out may God be with you all."
Anella from WATAUGA, TX
"Thank you for protecting our country🇺🇸"
Melissa from Norfolk, Virginia
"You keep us safe and secure. Afghanistan and Iraq vets we are so proud of You. Please reach out if you need help, your courage has helped our nation. We have lots of great people that want to help you. Our Heroes. 🥰"
John F from Palmyra, NJ.
"I want to thank all of the Veterans, their family, and friends for all the sacrifices you have made and continue to make for this country. We would all be nothing without all of you. I am forever grateful."
Meghan from Tinley Park, IL
"I support our military community- active duty and Veterans. Only because of them do we live free in the USA. Thank you one and all."
Alice from Port St Lucie, Florida
"Our family extends warm greetings for fellow Military members always!
God does follow all who’ve helped
our Nation perform global decency
for highest quality society’s survival"
Patricia from Safety Harbor, Florida
"Thank you for your service and sacrifice to preserve our freedom."
Debra from Chicago, IL
"Veterans Day is hard for my veteran spouse. For those that are similar to him and have mixed feelings about Veterans Day thank yous, I want to just say that I respect what you have given in service of others. I hope that in time more civilians are willing to give veterans needs more than just words."
Kristina from Oak Park, IL
"I love this country, and I love everyone who answered the call to serve. Thank you, and God bless you and your family."
Tosha from Lithia Springs, GA
What is “Your Service Matters”?
Every year, we honor our veterans on November 11, but their service, their sacrifice, is felt all year round.
No one veteran serves alone. They volunteer to join the military from a sense of duty and respect for American values. Over the past 20 years, many have endured multiple deployments and been away from their families for exceptionally long stretches. Their families have persevered through these deployments, and some have taken on the role of caregiver when their loved one returned home injured. As America ends its longest overseas deployment, it is vital that we support their service and support their families, more than ever.
That is why the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and our Hidden Heroes campaign launched this effort to build a virtual parade for our military and veteran community. Pledging to support these families is a way for all of us to send a message of thanks for their service and sacrifice.
Let them know – Your Service Matters.
Learn the Facts
In the United States…
5.5 million
spouses, parents, family members, and loved ones care for a wounded, ill, or injured veteran at home^
4.5 million
veterans have a service-related injury or illness*
2.3 million
children live with a disabled veteran~
3 out of 4
veterans and their military caregivers report feeling isolated and alone^,+
84%
of post-9/11 veterans say the public does not understand the problems faced by those in the military or their families+
83%
of all adults say that military personnel and their families have had to make a lot of sacrifices since Sept. 11, 2001+
57%
of veterans who had children during the time they served share that they have experienced strains in family relations since leaving the military+
41%
of caregivers tending for their injured, ill, or wounded veteran at home have to leave the workforce to focus on their wounded warrior’s health^
How to Participate
Partners
Special thanks to our pro bono creative partner
