2026 Memorial Day

May 25, 2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation. Their courage and sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today. We also honor the veterans who returned home, many carrying the visible and invisible wounds of war.

As Scripture reminds us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

Lettermen of the USA (LotUSA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that unites former collegiate athletes and coaches from rival schools to serve honorably discharged veterans and wounded veterans. What began in the aftermath of the devastating 2011 Alabama tornadoes, when rivals from Alabama and Auburn came together for relief efforts, has grown into a powerful mission of gratitude, service, and hope for those who served our nation.

A charity flag football game raised $150,000 for tornado relief and sparked a commitment to veterans that continues today.

Lettermen of the USA was founded with a singular purpose: to stand in the gap during times of crisis. What began as disaster relief has evolved into an enduring commitment to veterans and their families across the great State of Alabama.

Today, the need is greater than ever. As service members transition from military life to civilian life, many face difficult battles involving mental health, physical rehabilitation, financial hardship, and reintegration into their communities. While resources exist, they are often difficult to access or unknown to those who need them most.

LotUSA is dedicated to changing that reality by guiding veterans and their families, connecting them to critical services, and restoring hope. We believe, just as on the battlefield, we never leave our own behind.

“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

LotUSA has also been instrumental in helping bring the first Fisher House to Alabama, providing a comforting home away from home for military and veteran families during medical treatment.

Programs Serving Our Veterans

Autographs for Heroes

Launched in 2012 in partnership with the Semper Fi Task Force of North Alabama’s Heroes Week in Huntsville, this signature program has delivered nearly 800 autographed footballs to wounded veterans and veterans from World War II through current conflicts. Signed by coaches and players from a veteran’s favorite team, these footballs have reached recipients in all 50 states and territories in the Pacific and Caribbean. Each football is personally presented as a meaningful reminder that their service and sacrifice are remembered.

Shelters for Heroes

This program provides emergency shelter assistance and crisis support for veterans and military families facing hardship or homelessness. Services include temporary lodging, eviction prevention, and connections to long-term resources.

The impact has been life changing. LotUSA assisted an 87-year-old veteran living out of his car and provided shelter for a mother and her son battling cancer for more than seven weeks, offering dignity, stability, and hope during an incredibly difficult season.

Utilities for Heroes

When veterans fall behind on bills because of job loss, medical expenses, or other hardships, LotUSA provides direct assistance by helping pay power, gas, water, and utility bills through established service portals.

This support also extends to food and housing assistance through Food for Heroes and Rent for Heroes initiatives. From restoring electricity for a Vietnam veteran to providing heating assistance for disabled veterans, these efforts help families regain stability when they need it most.

Laptops for Heroes

Originally launched in 2020 for Gold Star children who lost a parent killed in combat, this initiative has expanded to include veterans’ children who cannot otherwise afford a laptop for school. By equipping these students with essential technology, LotUSA is investing in brighter futures for the families of our nation’s heroes.

Homes for Heroes

Volunteers perform critical home repairs and renovations for wounded and disabled veterans, addressing safety and accessibility needs so they can focus on healing in a secure and comfortable home environment.

Heroes Village

Heroes Village is a forward-looking initiative designed to create a supportive community of one- and two-bedroom homes for veterans and their families. The vision is to provide dignity, stability, and long-term support for those who have faithfully served our country.

LotUSA also supports veterans interested in brain donation research through partnerships such as the Concussion and CTE Foundation’s Boston Brain Bank. Many additional needs are effectively met through the VA, allowing LotUSA to focus its efforts where the gaps are greatest.

We also remember the families of our veterans. Spouses and children often carry the unseen weight of military transition, facing emotional strain, mental health challenges, and uncertainty of their own. Your support helps ensure that no veteran and no family walks this journey alone.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

On this Memorial Day, Lettermen of the USA stands united in gratitude, bridging rivalries and backgrounds to serve those who served us. We remember the fallen, honor the living, and remain committed to lifting up veterans and their families, one yard at a time.

Thank you to all veterans and their families. Your service, sacrifice, and courage will never be forgotten.

To learn more or support these veteran-focused programs, visit LotUSA.org.