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
"Proudly Served in the United States Army for 26 years. Retired in 2013 and now I volunteer at VA Hospitals and at Senior communities."
EVELYN from Tampa, FL
"Helping to change the culture at our state-run veteran's homes so that family members are recognized as part of their Care Team is how I want to thank our veterans for all they have done for us. Every day is Veteran's Day!"
Michele from Montrose, New York
"You are special, you are what is best about this country. Without men and women like you this country would not exist. Thank you for your self-less service to our country. I want you to know you are appreciated. May God richly bless you."
Charles from Merrill, Wisconsin
"Thank you for your sacrifice."
Mireille from Chievres, Belgium
"Thank you and your families for your service and sacrifice love you always"
Christian from St Louis, MO
"Thank you for your service. We honor all you do today and everyday."
Marianne from National City, CA
"Thank you seems not enough when so much has been given, but it comes from the heart.
God bless you!"
Paulina from Santa Rosa, CA
"I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your service and sacrifices to this great country!!! God bless you all! (My father served our country in the Army for 22 years!)"
Susan from Georgetown, South Carolina
"You bring great honor to family"
Wendy from Springville, Utah
"My Dad & many of my relatives served in WW2 & Vietnam. God bless & keep u all safe. Thank u so much 4 your service & God bless the USA!"
Mary from McDonald, Pa
"I am a proud daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and I have so much respect for all veterans. I volunteer at my local American Legion on a regular basis and just love to sit along side some of the biggest heroes I know. Thank you to all for you service and dedication.
#HomeOfTheFree
#BecauseOfTheBrave"
Christy from East Greenbush, NY
"Thank you to all Veterans and Troops who have served and are serving. Your service and dedication to this country has not gone unnoticed. God bless you all and God bless the
families of our Veterans and Soldiers. My Dad and 3 brothers are Veterans."
Donna from Rice Lake, Wisconsin
"Thanks to ALL my fellow warriors who "stood on the wall" and, boldly and, proudly said TO ALL enemies: "NOT ON MY WATCH!!!" We did it with pride, honor, dignity and, selfless sacrifice. Thank you.
Also, and, it bothers me to have to say this. But, am in need of financial assistance."
Derek Christopher from Central Islip, New York
"My appreciation for the military, veterans and their families is ever present. As an Army brat during Vietnam, I know how difficult it is for our active and retired military to feel unrecognized despite their sacrifices. And we need to remember that their families also give and give up so much."
Linda from Williamsburg, VA
"For all that you have done and all that you continue to do. Please remember that you were never forgotten and you are never alone."
David Adam from Ft Lauderdale, FL
"Thank you all for serving our country and all the sacrifices that you have made"
Tressi from Lagrange, Nc
"Thank you, and your families, for your service, sacrifice and dedication. It takes a special person to serve our country, and I honor and respect all of you."
Renee from Naperville, Il
"I am so grateful for your service to this country, grateful for the protection you’ve provided to my family, my freedom, my life. I’m grateful for the sacrifices your family made so that you could protect mine. Words fall flat most of the time, but I hope you know how precious your service is to me."
Sarah from Spokane Valley, WA
"My husband's service and my family's sacrifices matters.
Every member has made a sacrifice for our freedoms.
We can't stop or disregard the appreciation of what all that affords us."
Amy from Chandler, TX
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service and sacrifice."
Tammy from Taylorsville, NC
charles from Dracut, ma
jeanne from clinton, MT
"God bless you for your faithful and dedicated service. My dad and my husband were veterans."
Gail from Jupiter, FL
"Third generation Canadian Veteran living in Alabama. Thank you all for your service. Be blessed."
Walter from Perdido, AL
"My Daddy served in the Korean War. I have other family members that either have served or are serving. We pray for all of our service members and their families! God bless and protect them! We lost Daddy in 2018...😔"
Valorie from Wichita, KS
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
