Senator David Carlucci Hosts Valentines For Vets Ceremony at William O. Schaefer Elementary School

Tappan, NY -- Senator David Carlucci marked Valentine’s Day by hosting his annual Valentines For Vets ceremony at William O. Schaefer Elementary School in Tappan today. The ceremony honored local veterans for their service and selfless sacrifice.

“Valentines for Veterans is a special initiative my office does every year to let veterans know we care about them and appreciate the sacrifices they have made, while serving our great nation,” said Senator Carlucci. “We know some veterans maybe alone on Valentine’s Day, and this is a way for our youngest students to learn about a veteran’s service, while honoring them with a handmade Valentine's Day card.”

Students in kindergarten through 2^nd grade who made valentines packed the school’s auditorium to welcome each veteran by name and escort them to their seat. Then, students treated veterans to Valentine’s Day themed songs and presented a video of the fun they had making their valentines. 

“We are very fortunate to be chosen for a second year by Senator Carlucci’s office to host this special event,” said Principal Sheila Beglin. “It links perfectly with “compassion,” our Word of the Month. Students have been working hard to make valentines and practice songs for this beautiful celebration of our veterans.”  

Senator Carlucci offered closing remarks and let veterans know this is his way of saying “thank you.” Students then presented each veteran with several handmade valentines.

This year, 27 Rockland and Westchester County elementary schools participated in Senator Carlucci’s Valentines For Vets initiative, making almost 5,000 valentines for service-members here and abroad. Valentines were also distributed to veterans at the New York State Veterans' Home at Montrose.

“It is always heartwarming to see a Vietnam veteran who may have come home to little recognition say today is one of the best days. We know this initiative and ceremony means a lot to our veterans, and we plan to continue it for years to come,” said Senator Carlucci.