How to Write Your Own Veterans Day Message

While quoting a historical figure adds gravity to your Veterans Day wishes, pairing it with a personal message makes it truly meaningful. If you are writing to a specific veteran in your life, a simple, heartfelt approach is always best. You do not need to be overly formal or use complex language; sincerity is what matters most. A well-chosen quote can serve as the perfect opening or closing thought, but the core of your message should come directly from you.

When thinking about what to write, consider your relationship with the recipient. A note to your grandfather who served decades ago will naturally sound different from a text message to a friend who recently completed their service. Regardless of the relationship, the primary goal is to express gratitude for their sacrifice, dedication, and willingness to serve the country.

A Simple Formula for Veterans Day Cards

If you are staring at a blank card and feeling unsure where to start, try this straightforward three-part formula to structure your thoughts:

• The Acknowledgment: Start by clearly recognizing their service. If you know the specific branch they served in—such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force—mention it. This shows you pay attention to the details of their life.
• The Impact: Mention what their service means to you, your family, or the country as a whole. This is the perfect place to weave in a short quote from a historical figure to emphasize the importance of their duty.
• The Gratitude: Close with a warm, direct expression of thanks. Keep it simple and focused on appreciation.

Worked Example: "Dear Uncle Mark, I am thinking of you today and remembering your time in the Navy. As George Washington once said, 'When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen.' You have always been a tremendous role model to me in both your uniform and your civilian life. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your constant guidance. Happy Veterans Day."

Etiquette and Timing

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. It is entirely appropriate to send your messages, texts, or emails on the day itself. If you are mailing a physical greeting card, aim to send it a few days early so it arrives by the 11th. If November 11 falls on a weekend and the federal holiday is observed on a different day, sending your wishes on the actual date of November 11 is still the standard practice.

When reaching out, keep the tone respectful but celebratory. Unlike Memorial Day, which is a solemn occasion dedicated to those who died in military service, Veterans Day honors all military veterans, including the living. It is a day to thank them for their dedication, to celebrate their contributions, and to acknowledge the hard work they put into defending the nation.

What to Avoid

To ensure your message is well-received and appropriate for the occasion, keep a few common pitfalls in mind:

• Confusing Veterans Day with Memorial Day: Avoid phrases like "remembering the fallen" unless you are specifically talking about someone who passed away. Veterans Day is primarily about thanking living veterans for their service.
• Asking intrusive questions: A thank-you note is not the place to ask about combat experiences, deployments, or the specifics of their time in the military. Keep the focus entirely on gratitude and respect.
• Making it political: Military service transcends partisan politics. Keep your message focused on the individual's service and the universal values of courage, duty, and patriotism.
• Using overly casual language for acquaintances: While a quick "Thanks for your service!" text is fine for a close sibling, a slightly more thoughtful sentence is better for a colleague or neighbor.

Examples for Different Formats

Depending on how you are delivering your message, you might want to adjust the length and tone. Here are a few ways to adapt your wishes for various communication methods:

Format	Example Message
Text Message	"Happy Veterans Day! I am so grateful for your service and everything you have done for our country. I hope you have a great day today and feel appreciated."
Social Media Caption	"Today we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. 'Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause.' – Abraham Lincoln. Thank you to all our veterans for your incredible sacrifices!"
Email to a Colleague	"Hi Sarah, I wanted to take a moment today to thank you for your service in the Air Force. We are incredibly lucky to have your leadership, discipline, and dedication on our team. Happy Veterans Day!"
Community Board Post	"To all the veterans in our neighborhood: Thank you for your service. We are proud to live alongside those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. Happy Veterans Day!"

Ultimately, the most important element of any Veterans Day message is sincerity. Whether you choose a profound quote from a former president or simply write a few heartfelt words of your own, taking the time to acknowledge a veteran's service is a gesture that will always be appreciated.

Where these quotes come from

Every quote on this page was checked against the place it first appeared: the book, poem, play, speech, letter or, for scripture, the King James Version text. Some lines, such as General Sherman's "war is all hell," come from newspaper reports of speeches, and the author line says so. Wording, spelling and punctuation follow those sources, so older spellings such as "labour" or "honour" are left as printed.

We left out popular lines that circulate on quote sites but cannot be traced to anything the person actually wrote or said, including several lines credited to famous generals and presidents that do not appear in any of their recorded speeches or letters. If a quote matters for a speech, a program or a printed card, the author line under each quote tells you which work to look it up in.