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WHAT IT IS
Hug a veteran day is a grass roots effort to reach out to those who have served our country…
It is about the kindness of a hug, and a movement of appreciation…
It is about gathering volunteers geographically to descend upon our U.S. Veterans to deliver heartfelt thanks and simple human touch…
Hug A Veteran Day is about showering gratitude upon men and women who deserve to know their sacrifice has not been forgotten. Anyone with a Vietnam Veteran in their circle of family or friends knows that they are long overdue for our thanks…
My father is a Vietnam Veteran…
I love you Dad, thank you for your service.
Complete this form to volunteer.
Our Veterans deserve many, many hugs, and we need many, many arms. I hope you will loan them yours.
Two arms…two hours…one night…
NOVEMBER
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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HOW IT CAME TO BE
 I lost my heart to a Marine that I never met in November of 2006. I was led to the website of Cpl. Robert P. Warns II who gave his life for our freedom November 8, 2004. I met him two years after he was killed in action.
His story is not so different than many of the other young men and women who have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Except one thing… the number of people who have been introduced to Bobby since his passing.
Attached is a link to Bobby’s website. While the video tribute is heart wrenchingly tender, it is the news coverage that touched me. Bobby was blessed with a wonderfully loving family. A family that wished to capture his funeral service on video…and the rest is history.
If you are courageous enough to watch the video tribute, you will understand why this man, this Marine has inspired the altruistic love within me for all people in the United States Armed Forces.
On November 10, 2007, I was moved to venture out on my own and visit all VFW’s and American Legions in my local area. My goal was seek out as many U.S. Veterans as I could find, wrap my arms around them and thank them for their service. Seeking Veterans at VFWs and American Legions was as easy as fishing from a bucket.
My eyes smiled as I approached them to ask if they were a veteran.
They all responded with pride, some even standing to attention and announcing their branch of service. As I wrapped my arms around them I offered a simple “Thank you for your service”.
I met an elderly gentleman who flew “radar” in a B2 bomber, WWII. He took my hand and walked me across the room to show me a picture of a B2, and pointed out where he was in the plane. He described how his cubby hole rattled whenever the guns were going off.
I also met a much younger man who was headed out for his fourth tour in Iraq… that young man got a hug AND a kiss on the cheek.
As I worked the room I could see the sparkle in their eyes, and a tear in a few. I was at least as moved as they were, if not more so. They had no idea that their usual Saturday night would bring them a hug from a stranger.
As one person, I was capable of creating magic moments for thirty or more U.S. Veterans, just little ol’ me.
It is my goal, it is my hope, to gather all who are willing to offer TWO ARMS for TWO HOURS….ONE evening… and create those moments for hundreds of veterans…
As I left one establishment on the evening of November 10, 2007 - the bartender called out, “Who are you with? What organization?”
It was just me…but what a wonderful idea….
I truly BELIEVE it can happen.
I need your help.
I need your arms.
Complete this form to volunteer.
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Hug a Veteran Day