Official Statement Regarding the Day of Gratitude Event
Founder Clarification and Mission Statement
Prepared by:
Bob Maxwell
Founder, Voice of the Veteran
Co-Creator of the Day of Gratitude Event
Background
The Day of Gratitude event was created and founded by Voice of the Veteran, a nonprofit organization established to advocate for and support Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.
The inaugural Day of Gratitude, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which registered over 17,000 Veterans and family members and distributed over $3 million in gifts and resources from national partners including Nike, Amazon, and Disney. It remains the largest event in Nevada history exclusively dedicated to Veterans, Military members, and their families and quite possible the largest event of its type in the United States according to multiple news accounts.
The event was conceptualized, developed, and produced by Voice of the Veteran under the leadership of its Founder, Bob Maxwell, President Dan Kamanao and Chairman Peter Palivos.
Purpose of the Event
The mission of Day of Gratitude is straightforward and non-negotiable:
To honor and support Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families.
This event exists solely for the benefit of the Veteran community and is not intended to promote or elevate any particular organization, institution, or individual.
Any organization participating in the event does so in support of this mission.
Founding Organization
Voice of the Veteran is the founding organization of the Day of Gratitude event.
As the founding organization, Voice of the Veteran maintains an essential role in protecting the integrity, mission, and identity of the event.
Recognition of this founding role is important to ensure the event continues to reflect the purpose for which it was created.
Trademark and Naming Rights
The name “Day of Gratitude” is a protected trademark owned by Bob Maxwell and Voice of the Veteran.
Use of the name Day of Gratitude for public events, promotional materials, fundraising, or sponsorship activities requires the authorization of the trademark holder.
Any future use of the name must be done in partnership with and with the consent of Voice of the Veteran, or under a formal licensing agreement.
This protection exists not to restrict collaboration, but to ensure the event remains true to its founding mission and purpose.
Collaboration
Voice of the Veteran welcomes collaboration with:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
CityServe, as we did on the first Day of Gratitude on June 8, 2024 and again on June 6, 2026.
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services.
Select Community organizations that truly support our Nation’s Heroes.
Veteran Service Organizations that produce positive results for our Nation’s Heroes and their families.
Private partners
However, collaboration must respect the founding organization, the mission of the event, and the rights associated with the Day of Gratitude name.
Commitment Moving Forward
Voice of the Veteran remains committed to ensuring that the Day of Gratitude event continues to be a powerful and meaningful tribute to the men and women who have served this nation.
The focus must remain where it belongs:
Veterans. Military members. Their families. 
Everything else is secondary.
Bob Maxwell
Founder & CEO
Voice of the Veteran
Air Force Veteran
100% Service Connected Disabled Veteran
Email: bob@voiceoftheveteran.org
