Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) proudly continued the tradition of spreading love and appreciation to local veterans this Valentine's Day through her annual Valentines for Vets initiative. This year's effort was made possible by the overwhelming participation of students from schools across the 119th Assembly District, who created hundreds of beautifully crafted and heartfelt cards to express their gratitude to our nation's heroes.

Students from the Rome City School District, Utica City School District, Whitesboro Central School District, New Students from the Rome City School District, Utica City School District, Whitesboro Central School District, New York Mills Union Free School District, Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School, Westmoreland Central School District, and the New York State School for the Deaf came together in a remarkable display of appreciation, ensuring that veterans in the community felt honored and remembered.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon personally delivered the valentines to American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, nursing homes, and veteran community gatherings throughout the district, meeting with local heroes and sharing the students' heartfelt messages. At every stop, these valentines served as a poignant reminder that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.

"The response from our students and educators has been nothing short of extraordinary," said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. "These cards are more than just paper and ink, they are symbols of love, gratitude, and unwavering respect for those who have bravely served our country. Witnessing the joy and emotion on the faces of our veterans as they read these messages was incredibly moving. It is a testament to the strong bond between generations and the enduring appreciation our community holds for those who defended our freedoms."

Assemblywoman Buttenschon also expressed deep gratitude to the teachers, administrators, and school leaders who helped make this initiative such a resounding success. "This would not have been possible without the dedication of our incredible educators, who instill the values of service, respect, and gratitude in our young people. Their support has made a lasting impact, not only on the veterans who received these cards but also on the students who took the time to craft them."

Veterans who received the valentines expressed their appreciation for the gesture, with many sharing how much it meant to them to know that the younger generation recognizes their sacrifices.

"Serving as Assemblywoman provides me with the privilege of giving back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country," said Buttenschon. "Our veterans deserve to be recognized, appreciated, and supported, not just on Valentine's Day, but every day. I remain deeply committed to advocating for them and ensuring they receive the honor and care they so rightly deserve."

The Assemblywoman's office has documented the heartfelt exchanges and deliveries through photos and videos, which can be viewed at the following link:

All photos and videos can be accessed here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vrmX8UAGKtPGH3-0zbQR7cms-26b2Ae6?usp=sharing

Assemblywoman Buttenschon remains steadfast in her commitment to serving and honoring the veterans of the 119th Assembly District and encourages the entire community to continue finding ways to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice.