“Even though we’ve never met,” one recorded message begins. That simple phrase is the heart of a powerful new initiative giving people a chance to move beyond the common but often impersonal “thank you for your service.” The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center has launched the “Call to Honor: A Veteran Gratitude Line,” a straightforward yet profound system for connection.
The campaign taps into a demographic reality: only about 6% of Americans have served in the military, with just 1% on active duty right now. This means many Americans have no direct, personal understanding of the military experience, making efforts like this gratitude line a way to support those who served.
A Line of Appreciation, a Line of Support
The mechanics are intentionally simple. To leave a message of thanks, anyone can dial 1-248-VETERAN (248-838-3726) and press 1. To hear the messages, veterans and their families can press 2. For those visiting the clinic, the clinic also offers a red phone display for in-person listening. The power lies in its directness—a human voice, unscripted, offering appreciation.
For Julie Bologna, a clinician at the center and a veteran herself, the initiative is personal. She sees it as a tool for remembrance.
“I think it’s gonna be good.”
She explained that hearing these voices, especially from strangers, can serve as a reminder that veterans’ experiences with military service are not all the same.
More Than Thanks: Recognizing the Sacrifice
The numbers she cites are a part of the story, highlighting the sacrifice of those who served. This context makes it important to take the opportunity to support those that served.
The Human Stakes
The people who bear the brunt of this are the veterans themselves, and their families. The clinic also provides mental health services for post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families. A stranger’s voice on the phone, a simple “we see you, we appreciate you,” can be a reminder for veterans that there are people who value their service.
Ultimately, the Veterans Day Gratitude Line is a way for people to go beyond simply saying “thank you for your service.” For Bologna, the messages are a reminder that appreciation should not be confined to a single day in November.
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