PLAINFIELD –  State Senator Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging area residents, organizations and students to work together to write letters to veterans’ homes residents ahead of Veterans Day this year.

“Our heroes and their loved ones have sacrificed so much to protect our democratic values and freedoms,” Loughran Cappel said. “I urge folks to take a few minutes out of their day to drop a quick note in the mail to show appreciation to our veterans.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veterans’ homes in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

The effort was first launched in 2020 ahead of Veterans Day in November. The letter-writing campaign will focus on the veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy.

“Writing a letter may only take a few minutes but can change the day of any veteran for the better,” Loughran Cappel said. “This is a small gesture that can go a long way in honoring and recognizing the importance of our brave veterans’ dedication to our great nation.”

To send a message to a veteran or a veteran home, visit Send-a-note. Locations for each of the veterans’ homes in Illinois can be found here, where letters can be mailed.