People write sentiments in greeting cards for our troops at the Third Street Promenade during the American Red Cross "Holiday Mail for Heroes." campaign on Sunday, November 23, 2013.

Each year the American Red Cross collect cards between October and early December and then distribute them at military installations, veterans hospitals, and in other locations. The Red Cross has received and distributed more than 6.5 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006. The cards and personal messages, sent by tens of thousands of Americans, provide a welcome “touch of home” for our troops during the holiday season. Over 1.5 million troops serve our great nation. Many of them will be overseas, in harm’s way and away from their families this holiday season. You can help the Red Cross send a thank you card to every American Hero. For more information, please click on the link below or follow the American Red Cross "Holiday Mail for Heroes." page.

The Holiday Mail for Heroes mailbox is open from now through Friday, December 6. The Red Cross invites the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer by mailing them to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456