SENATOR KLEIN HOSTS 21ST ANNUAL “VALENTINE’S FOR VETERANS”
February 10, 2016
Klein Donates More Than 500 Valentine’s Day Cards and Gift Bags to Bronx Veterans
BRONX, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), joined by Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan and students from local schools, donated more than 500 Valentine’s Day cards and gift bags to veterans at the 21st annual “Valentine’s for Veterans” celebration held at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center on Wednesday.
“For the past 21 years, I have proudly hosted ‘Valentine’s for Veterans’ as a way to honor the sacrifices of our American heroes. This intergenerational event allows Bronx children to pay tribute to our brave service men and women and hear firsthand about their courageous acts that contributed to America’s freedom. I thank P.S. 105 for their outstanding performance, SUNY Maritime’s Color Guard, Miss USA Olivia Jordan, and our local students who prepared and donated the gift bags for the veterans,” said Senator Klein.
“We’re excited to welcome Miss USA, our PS 105 students, and Senator Klein. Their participation just heightens the celebration and brings a special note of cheer to our veterans,” said James J. Peters VA Medical Center Medical Director, Dr. Erik Langhoff. “Our medical center’s 464 volunteers are an important part of our healthcare team and donate over 85,000 hours of their precious time to our veterans. The National Salute program is a great way for people to learn more about helping the Veterans we serve."
“It is an honor for me to be here at Valentine’s for Vets. After winning Miss USA last summer I have had several wonderful opportunities to thank the men and women who have served and are still serving our country and I feel it is the least I can do as Miss USA,” said Olivia Jordan, Miss USA 2015.
The event featured patriotic music by the P.S. 105 school choir and a special salute by SUNY Maritime’s color guard.
Senator Klein, Miss USA, and the students distributed Valentine’s Day cards and gift bags prepared by hundreds of students across the borough. Donations items included stationery, pens and pencils, books, playing cards, toiletries, handkerchiefs, and more.
“Valentine’s for Veterans” is held during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, a weeklong celebration from February 7 – February 14 commemorating the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Services and are now cared for by the Department of Veterans Affairs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes across the U.S. The National Salute seeks to spread awareness and appreciation for veterans by encouraging citizens to visit hospitalized veterans in their communities.