POPLAR BLUFF VA HOSPITAL SALUTES VETS NEXT WEEK

POPLAR BLUFF -- A variety of activities will take place at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center at Poplar Bluff in conjunction with National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans the week of Feb. 13-19.

On Wednesday, Community Day, people are encouraged to visit hospitalized veterans and learn more about volunteer opportunities at the hospital, said Hugh Doran, hospital director.

Doran said: "This Valentine's Day will mark the 20th year of the annual salute. Every year it's an event that brings cheer into the lives of patients who are far from family and friends or may have been hospitalized for some time. This is an opportunity for people to bring personal recognition and appreciation to veterans who served and sacrificed for their country, many of whom now are elderly, chronically ill or without social support."

On Tuesday Amvets Auxiliary 29 will provide home-cooked meals to patients, on Feb. 18 "Highstrung" will present a country music show for patients, and on Feb. 19 the local American Legion Auxiliary will provide home-cooked meals for inpatients.