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Veterans Day Messages

Ever find yourself wondering what to write in a Veterans Day card? If so, you’re not alone!

A simple “thank you” Veterans Day message will generally suffice, and most veterans actually like it better than longer, more flowery tributes. Veterans Day thank you messages that are short and to the point often “say more” than attempts to over-dramatize the appreciation.

In general, Veterans Day card messages that touch on one or more of the following themes will be well-received by veterans of any service branch and any era:

Gratitude — Thank You Veterans Day Messages:

  • With gratitude for your service to America on Veterans Day and always.
  • Thinking of you on Veterans Day. Thank you for all you've done for our country.
  • Those who live in freedom will always be grateful to those who helped preserve it.

Pride — Especially Appropriate for Recipients Who Are Family Members:

  • To my brother, who proudly answered his country’s call — a message to say I think of you with pride on Veterans Day and always.
  • It’s veterans like you who have made this country great. So grateful to be an American. So proud to call you family.

Legacy — Acknowledging the History of All Those Who've Served Before:

  • Ours is a country filled with promise for tomorrow — because ours is a history shaped by heroes like you.
  • A Veterans Day salute to you for serving in the proud and honorable tradition of the United States military.

Patriotism and National Pride — (But Kept It Apolitical):

  • You’ve helped to make this world a better place with your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. No words could ever express how much that means.
  • We live in the greatest country in the world. Thank you for all you’re doing to help keep it that way.

Branch of Service:

If you know the branch of the U.S. Military the recipient served in — Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard — it's always appropriate to include a Veterans Day message tailored to their brand of service.

To a Marine veteran:

  • Saying thanks to one of the few and the proud is more than just a privilege. It’s an honor. Semper Fi!

To an Air Force veteran:

  • Thank you for aiming high — and always staying ready to fly, fight, and win…worldwide.

To an Army veteran:

  • Honoring your service which reflects the long, proud, distinguished legacy of the U.S. Army.

To a Navy veteran:

  • With gratitude for your role in protecting the sea lanes…and safeguarding America’s freedom abroad.

To a Coast Guard veteran:

  • With deep appreciation for your vigilant defense of our shores…and beyond!

To a Space Force veteran:

  • Thank you for being a guardian of our freedom, security and prosperity! Semper Supra!

Can You Say, “Happy Veterans Day?”

While Veterans Day is a day to honor those who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces, it’s not customary to say, “Happy Veterans Day.” Every veteran’s experience is different. Rather than say “Happy Veterans Day,” it’s more appropriate to say, “thank you for your service” or “I’m thankful for everything you’ve done for our country.”  Keep in mind that there are many holidays commemorating military service in the United States. Each has its own significance.

Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day

For example, you don’t want to inadvertently confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day! Both honor the service of those who’ve served their country in uniform, but for fundamentally different reasons. Veterans Day (observed on November 11th) celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day (observed on the last Monday in May) specifically honors those who died while serving.

Veterans Day Cards

Feel free to use any of these Veterans Day greeting card messages, as well as your own authentic expressions of gratitude or pride, in your Veterans Day card. It can be challenging to know what to write in a Veterans Day card, but these messages should be well received by the military veteran in your life whose service you pay tribute to on November 11th.

Still need a Veterans Day card? Browse American Greetings assortment of Veterans Day ecards. Personalize with your own message or use one of the ideas above, and then share your card instantly via email, text or in your Veterans Day social post. Try it for free when you start a trial membership today.