Free 'Valentines for Veterans Concerts' Honor Veterans Across the Country

/PRNewswire/ -- As Valentines Day approaches, thousands of Americans will look for ways to express their love for family, friends, and significant others. Whether it's a thoughtful gift or a nice evening out, Valentines Day is about spending time with loved ones and showing them your appreciation. Such gestures and sentiment come as no surprise on February 14th, yet several organizations are working together to spread the Valentines Day spirit a little early this year.

Sunday, February 8th kicks-off National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. In support, Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), a non-profit organization that works to physically and psychologically rehabilitate veterans through programs and events that foster active hands and minds, and increase self worth and confidence, will co-sponsor four "Valentines for Veterans Concerts" with local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospitals.

The concerts span over three days, February 12-14, and will take place in four different cities across the United States. Cities hosting the concerts include: Cleveland, OH; Tampa, FL; Charleston, SC; Prescott, AZ. "We'd like to thank the four different venues for everything they've done in hosting this years 'Valentines for Veterans Concerts,'" said Mike Lynch, Executive Director of HHV. "These great concerts would not be possible if it weren't for the tremendous support given by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Florida State Fair Authority, The Cultural and Civic Auditorium (Old Sterett Hall), and Yavapai College Performance Hall."

A broad range of musical talent will be performing at each concert, including performances by The Spinners, The Tams, The Embers, Russell Thompkins, Jr. and The New Stylistics, and 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Little Anthony & The Imperials. The concert series is free of charge to all military personnel, as well as the general public. "The purpose of these concerts is to show respect and appreciation to America's veterans as well as their families," Lynch continued. "Our hope is that the concerts will boost awareness of local VA Medical Centers, increase understanding of the issues facing severely wounded veterans as well as their families, and encourage people to visit hospitalized veterans or consider volunteering at their local VA."

National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week is an official VA program that is celebrated at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers across the country. While this annual week long celebration, formerly called "No Greater Love Week," dates back as far as 1978, the "Valentines for Veterans Concert" series was conceived in 2007, and was inspired by a love story between a severely wounded Iraq combat veteran and his wife.

Concert organizers met the young man and his wife on Valentines Day, when he was being treated at the local VA in Prescott, AZ. They were so compelled by the couple's story that they wanted to do something the following Valentines Day to honor the two and all the young men and women who've been injured from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The "Valentines for Veterans Concerts" were the result. After the success of prior concerts and the overwhelmingly positive reception from veterans, their families and community members alike, concert organizers have already begun looking to add additional cities across the United States for the 2010 series.

In addition to the "Valentines for Veterans Concerts," HHV sponsors several other high profile national events with the VA such as the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival and the National Veterans Golden Age Games. HHV's sponsorship of these events demonstrates continued support of two important goals that drive their mission: to help aid American veterans in their recovery and to increase community awareness of the many ways in which to get more involved in helping the troops that have served our country.

"Valentines for Veterans Concert" Series Particulars:

TAMPA, FLORIDA
When: Thursday, February 12, 2009
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa Florida
Featuring: The Spinners and Little Anthony and The Imperials
Expected: 5,000+

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
When: Friday, February 13, 2009
Where: The Cultural and Civic Auditorium (Old Sterett Hall),
Charleston, South Carolina
Featuring: The Tams and The Embers (popular groups of the southern
region)
Expected: 1,000+

CLEVELAND, OHIO
When: Friday, February 13, 2009
Where: Cleveland, Ohio Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Featuring: Little Anthony and The Imperials
Expected: 800+

PRESCOTT, ARIZONA
When: Saturday, February 14, 2009
Where: Yavapai College Performance Hall, Prescott, Arizona
Featuring: Russell Thompkins, Jr. and The New Stylistics
Expected: 1,500

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