The Washington DC VA Medical Center’s (DCVAMC) annual weeklong Salute to Hospitalized Veterans concluded Feb. 15 with the USO’s Miles of Smiles - the World’s Longest Valentine presentation. The program also included a musical salute to veterans by young recording artist Ryan Holland and a performance by the Washington Wizards Dance Team. Ms. Amanda Lewis, Miss Washington D.C. also made a special appearance.

The VA's National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans began in 1978 as a way to encourage community involvement. According to VA Medical Center Director Fernando O. Rivera, "the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans gives Medical Center employees and community members a chance to reach out to veterans during their hospitalizations to let them know how much they are appreciated".

This is the 21st year the VA and USO have partnered to pay tribute to hospitalized veterans.

Hospitalized veterans enjoyed a weeklong salute which included visits from local military members, civic organizations, political leaders, businesses and celebrities as well as musical performances by local artists.

The DCVAMC, located on 50 Irving Street N.W., and known as the "Flagship of VA Health Care", provides high quality comprehensive health care to more than 75,000 veterans in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.

Special guests also included Wilbert Forbes, Maryland’s Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Cheryl Lasker-Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan USO.