Veterans Day Thank-You Messages: What to Write and What to Avoid

Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11. It began as Armistice Day, marking the end of fighting in World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, and it now honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces (Britannica). It's different from Memorial Day, which remembers those who died in service (Wikipedia).

That difference matters when you write. A Veterans Day card is a thank-you to the person reading it, not a memorial.

The best messages are plain and personal. Most veterans would rather hear one honest sentence than a paragraph of patriotic language, and many are uncomfortable with being called heroes. Thank them for their service, and if you can, for something specific about them.

For a family member

You know their story, or part of it. Let the card show that.

For a parent

Happy Veterans Day, Dad. Thank you for your service, and for every lesson you brought home.
Mom, I'm proud of you every day, and especially today. Thank you for serving.
Thank you for the years you gave, and the years our family waited for you to come home.

For a grandparent

Grandpa, your stories made me who I am. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for everything you gave so we could have the lives we have. Happy Veterans Day.

For a spouse or partner

I see what you carried, and I'm grateful every day. Happy Veterans Day.
Thank you for your service, and for coming home to us.

For a friend or neighbor

Thank you for your service. I'm grateful to know you.
Thinking of you this Veterans Day, and thankful for everything you've given.
Thank you for serving, and for being such a good neighbor ever since.

For a coworker

Keep it short and respectful. Some people prefer a quiet day and would rather not be singled out in front of the team.

A private note

Thank you for your service. Wishing you a good Veterans Day.
Grateful to work alongside you. Thank you for serving.

From the team

If your workplace recognizes veterans as a group, keep the wording inclusive and let individuals choose whether to share their stories.

To every veteran on our team: thank you for your service.
With gratitude to the colleagues who served. Happy Veterans Day.

For a veteran you don't know well

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
With gratitude this Veterans Day.
Thank you for what you gave for all of us.

What to avoid

Don't ask whether someone saw combat, how many people they knew who died, or how they were injured. Avoid mixing up Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and be careful with jokes. If the person has lost friends in service, a simple "thinking of you today" can be kinder than a cheerful greeting. And don't assume someone's politics from their service.

When the day is hard

For some veterans, November 11 brings up difficult memories. If you know that's true for the person you're writing to, a short, steady message is best.

Thinking of you today. No need to reply, just know I'm here.
Grateful for you, today and every day.

Send it so it lands on the day

A card that arrives late still says something, just not what you meant. With a GreetSpark letter you can write it tonight and schedule it for 6 a.m. their time on the day itself, wherever they live. It tears open on their phone like an envelope, unfolds in the handwriting you choose, can carry your voice, and you'll know the moment it's opened. Three letters a month are free.

For more help with the words, see our guides on thank-you card wording that does not sound like a form letter and what to write in a remembrance card, or browse the designs for a thank-you letter that looks the part.