AARP Maine 250 Letters to Veterans Project 2026

In order to honor America's 250th Anniversary, AARP Maine is partnering with Honor Flight Maine to write 250 letters to veterans. Each letter will go to Honor Flight Maine for distribution to veterans throughout the state in order to commemorate their services. We hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our veterans here in Maine. If you have a spare moment, please consider writing a letter (or two!) to help us reach our goal. A full instruction sheet and description of the project is below.

More Ways to Benefit

View All

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

Previous Next

1. Related Benefit 1
2. Related Benefit 2
3. Related Benefit 3
4. Related Benefit 4
5. Related Benefit 5

For America’s 250^th, we’re writing 250 letters to veterans to say “thank you.”

We appreciate your taking the time to write a letter to a veteran as part of our AARP Maine’s 250 Letters to Veterans project. Each letter will go to Honor Flight Maine for distribution to veterans throughout the state in honor of America’s 250^th Anniversary. We believe these letters will honor their services and make a meaningful impact.

Below are a few simple guidelines to help you get started and please feel free to share this project with your friends and family – including grandchildren – and anyone you think might like to participate.

Keep it warm and personal, but general
Since you won't know the specific veteran receiving your letter, avoid references to particular wars, branches of service, or time periods. Focus instead on gratitude and respect that any veteran would appreciate.

Consider including:

• A sincere thank-you for their service and sacrifice
• A warm personal touch — who you are, where you're from, or why you wanted to write
• Words of encouragement, admiration, or hope
• A closing that feels genuine, not formulaic

What to avoid:

• Specific references to wars, conflicts, or military branches
• Political statements or opinions
• Asking personal questions of the veteran

A few tips:

• Keep your letter to one page
• Neatness matters — this letter may be a keepsake
• Proofread

Sample opening lines to get you started:

• "I may not know your story, but I am grateful for your courage…"
• "Words can't fully express the gratitude I feel for those who have served…"
• "To someone who gave so much for so many…"

Please send your letter by 8/15/26 to AARP Maine c/o 250 Letters Project, 400 Congress Street, #331, Portland, ME 04101. We will deliver all letters to Honor Flight Maine.

Questions? Email me@aarp.org