Senator Carlucci, Strawtown Elementary School Students Present Valentines for Veterans

SUFFERN, NY - Surrounded by scores of local veterans, Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) today hosted his third annual Valentines for Veterans celebration at the VFW Ramapo Post 2973 in Suffern.  The event is part of a national initiative that organizes local communities to send thousands of good wishes to veterans and service members each year. 

This year, Senator Carlucci hosted five students from Strawtown Elementary School to read and present over 500 of their handcrafted valentines and artwork to the more than 50 veterans who attended a special Veterans Advisory Committee meeting.  The group also led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Every bit of gratitude shown to our men and women who served in uniform is always appreciated," said Senator Carlucci.  "It is fitting that today on Valentine's Day we have one generation thanking another that came before them.  I would like to thank Strawtown Elementary School, Principal O'Connor and each teacher for their active participation in this noteworthy project."

Also partaking in the event was Suffern Mayor Dagan Lacorte (D-Suffern) who spoke about upcoming local events happening in the village.

Valentine's for Veterans is an annual event that shows appreciation to the many proud achievements and sacrifices on behalf of military service members. Each student will also lead veterans and attendees in singing the Pledge of Allegiance to mark the beginning of the program.

The Veterans Advisory Committee afterwards met to discuss an overview of legislation in Albany, including:

• How veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bills that would require insurance companies to cover the costs for medical treatment.
• Ways in which veterans can more effectively transition from combat to civilian life
• Tax credits available to businesses that hire veterans
• Better outreach to recruit and retain younger veterans for participation.

Valentines for Veterans has brought millions of Valentine’s Day cards to our nation’s heroic men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our nation.   The event coincides with National Salute to Veteran Patients Week (February 13-19) and allows the opportunity for the public to join in the recognition.

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Photo: Austin Hernandez, 5th grader from Strawtown Elementary School, reads his Valentines for Veterans poem to Senator Carlucci's Veterans Advisory Committee meeting.  He is joined by 3rd grader Lily Warren, Senator David Carlucci, and 5th grader Dora Teising.