A Veterans Day card can be as simple as ‘Thank you for your service. I'm thinking of you today.’ If you're writing to someone close to you, add a personal line about what they mean to you. You don't need to know every detail of their military experience to send a sincere thank-you.
These 40 messages include brief thanks, notes for family and friends, and greetings from neighbors or colleagues. Veterans Day honors military service in wartime and peacetime; Memorial Day remembers those who died in military service. Keep that difference in mind as you choose your words.
Simple and respectful thanks
A short, direct thank-you works well for someone you don't know closely. Sign your name so they know who sent the card.
With respect and appreciation for your military service this Veterans Day.
Thank you for your military service. I wanted to send a personal note of appreciation this Veterans Day.
Thinking of you on Veterans Day and wishing you well.
With sincere thanks for your service and warm wishes to you and your family.
A Veterans Day note with sincere appreciation and a warm hello.
On Veterans Day, I'm thinking of the time and effort you gave in service to our country. Thank you.
Thank you for your service, with appreciation from our household.
Sending a Veterans Day greeting with respect and gratitude for your service.
With thanks for the time and work you gave in military service.
Our family sends you sincere thanks this Veterans Day. We appreciate your service.
For a family member or close friend
Add the affection you would normally express to this person. You can thank them for their service and tell them you're glad they're in your life.
Thinking of your service today, and loving you as always.
Thank you for your service. I'm proud to know you, and I'm glad we get to spend time together.
With respect for your service and affection for the person I know.
Thank you for sharing some of your memories with me. I appreciate those conversations and am thinking of you this Veterans Day.
A Veterans Day greeting for someone who means a great deal to our family.
Sending you love on Veterans Day. Your service is one of the many reasons I'm proud of you.
Thank you for your service, and for being such a good friend to me.
Thinking of you today and hoping we can get together soon. Thank you for your service, and for your friendship.
I am proud to know you and glad to send you this note today.
With love from all of us this Veterans Day. We're grateful for your service and so glad you're part of our family.
From a neighbor, colleague, or community group
Keep a group card warm and simple. Everyone sending the message can sign their own name.
A Veterans Day thank-you from your neighbors, with our warm wishes.
Thank you for your service. We're glad to have you as a neighbor and send our best wishes this Veterans Day.
With thanks for your military service from your colleagues.
I'm glad we work together. On Veterans Day, I also wanted to say thank you for your service.
Our group sends its sincere thanks to you this Veterans Day.
With appreciation from our community this Veterans Day. Thank you for your military service.
A respectful Veterans Day greeting from the family next door.
We always enjoy stopping to chat with you. Today, we also wanted to thank you for your service. Warm wishes from next door.
With sincere appreciation from everyone whose name is in this card.
Our team sends its thanks for your service and our best wishes this Veterans Day.
Personal notes without pressure to share
For someone who prefers a private acknowledgment, a short note is enough. If you're friends, you can add an invitation to catch up.
Thinking of you this Veterans Day and sending my sincere thanks.
I wanted to send a small note of appreciation today. Thank you for your service, and all the best to you.
A personal note of thanks for your service, with warm wishes for the day.
Thinking of you on Veterans Day. I'd love to catch up over coffee soon if you'd enjoy that.
A quiet thank-you, from someone who is glad to know you.
Thank you for your service. I wanted you to know you're in my thoughts today.
Sending a friendly hello and sincere appreciation this Veterans Day.
I've enjoyed our conversations and am glad to know you. With thanks for your service this Veterans Day.
With respect for your service and a warm greeting from me.
Thank you for your service. I'm always glad to hear from you, and I'm sending my best wishes today.
Use details you know are right
If you mention a branch, rank, or period of service, check it first. A simple thank-you works without those details. There is no need to ask about combat or other personal experiences in the card.
Make it a note from you
For someone you know, add a warm line about your friendship or family connection. If you’re sending cards through a community program, follow its instructions for greetings, addresses, and signatures.
Questions about writing your card
Is Veterans Day the same as Memorial Day?
No. Veterans Day honors those who served in the military in wartime or peacetime. Memorial Day remembers those who died in military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs explains the distinction in the source below.
Do I have to write “hero” in a Veterans Day card?
No. “Thank you for your service” is a complete, respectful message. Use language that feels natural for your relationship with the person.
Sources and further reading
Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans Day and Memorial Day