CARLUCCI TEAMS WITH STUDENTS TO SEND VETS VALENTINE’S

PRESS RELEASE

Senator David Carlucci joined the students and teachers of Hempstead Elementary School last Thursday to present over 5,000 valentines to local veterans as part of the annual Valentines for Veterans initiative. The Valentines for Veterans initiative organizes communities across our country and urges them to send thousands of good wishes to veterans and service members each year in the form of a Valentine’s Day card. In addition, students in third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade read original poetry and performed several patriotic musical numbers such as “Thank You Soldiers”, “I’m Proud to be an American” and “This Land is Your Land” for the veterans. The valentines will be distributed to veterans groups and organizations throughout Rockland and Westchester to decorate their American Legion halls and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts with the valentines created by the students.

“Veterans come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, but the common theme that unites them and all members of the United States Armed Forces is their patriotism, bravery and devotion to their country,” said Senator David Carlucci. “Our Valentines for Veterans initiative in schools districts across Rockland is a great way to educate students about the sacrifices made by veterans while at the same time honoring veterans for their service. It is always a pleasure working with such caring and compassionate students and teachers, their hard work truly made a difference in many veterans’ lives.”

“Veterans appreciate the valentines given out by the students at Hempstead Elementary School. For the veteran, it is a recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have done for this country. For the students they get to show their appreciation by creating the valentine for veterans and also a chance to meet them. Today, veterans make up a small portion of the population and many children have no connection with veterans. These types of events reinforce the history and tradition of our great nation with the children that will be the future of our country,” said Colonel John Leighton, United States Marine Corp, Retired. President of Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 333.