Churches, school groups and veterans organizations showed their support for area veterans during last week's observance of the VA's National Salute to Veterans.

For years, the second week of February was known as the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, but the name was changed this year to reflect the VA's care to all veterans, according to Laura Balun, director of Voluntary Services for the VA, in her February newsletter.

The purpose for the week, she wrote, is "to pay tribute and express appreciation to America's Veterans, to increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center and to encourage citizens to become involved in the care of Veterans through the VA Voluntary Service program."

At Augusta's two VA hospitals, there were activities each day of the week.

Members of veterans groups served refreshments in the lobbies of both the uptown and downtown locations at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Members of the North Augusta Middle School Junior Beta Club passed out valentines and played instruments on Feb. 10. The Greenbrier High School JROTC visited the uptown division on Feb. 11.

Also on Feb. 11, there was a Valentine coffeehouse with the singing group, the Uptowners providing entertainment.

Hooters girls visited the hospital on Feb. 12, and stu- dents from Augusta Preparatory Day School passed out valentines on Feb. 12.