Our Story: This nonprofit was started based on a tradition began by Sgt. Jerry Forsyth, a Vietnam Vet. Whenever he saw another veteran he made a point to speak to them and say "Thank you for serving and welcome home." He wanted to make sure other veterans felt the welcoming and appreciation he did not receive when he returned from Viet Nam. He also sent thank you cards to other veterans each year around Veterans Day. His list started with a few friends. Then, his list grew to acquaintances and even strangers. In 2018, Sgt. Forsyth became terminally ill with a service related cancer. His daughter, Katy Kennedy, asked his permission to carry on his tradition of sending cards to Veterans Day. He agreed, as long as his rules were followed. His rules were
✭The card should not arrive on Veteran’s Day. He didn’t want the veteran to feel like it was only the holiday that made us remember for only one day.
✭The card CAN NOT arrive late. The veteran can not feel like we forgot or that they aren’t important enough for us to remember.
✭The card needs to arrive before Veteran’s Day. This way the veteran will feel appreciated prior to the holiday and the feeling can last even longer.
As an elementary school educator, Katy saw an opportunity to help students learn about Veterans Day, the importance of veterans, and how expressing respect and gratitude makes a positive impact by including her students.
Each year the number of veterans reached has grown from approximately 300 in 2018 to approximately 2,300 in 2022. Students and adults across the country participate in gathering names and addresses of veterans and writing the letters.