Utica, NY – Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) has officially launched her 2025 Cards for Vets Initiative, an annual community tradition that connects students, veterans, and families across the Mohawk Valley in recognition of Veterans Day.

Now in its sixth year, the initiative invites students from across the region to handcraft cards and write heartfelt letters to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The cards will be distributed to local American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, nursing homes, and senior centers throughout Oneida County ahead of Veterans Day.

Each year, the initiative sees hundreds of cards collected from classrooms across the region, bringing smiles and gratitude to those who sacrificed for our freedoms. This year’s schools invited to participate include Utica City School District, Rome City School District, Whitesboro Central School District, New York Mills Union Free School District, Oriskany Central School District, Utica Academy of Science, Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School, Westmoreland Central School District, the New York State School for the Deaf, the House of the Good Shepherd/Tilton School, and Holland Patent Central School District.

“Our veterans deserve to know that their service is remembered and appreciated, not just on Veterans Day, but every day,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “When a young student takes the time to write a card or draw a picture, it reminds our heroes that their courage continues to inspire future generations. These small acts of kindness carry powerful meaning.”

The Cards for Vets program began as a simple classroom effort and has grown into a district-wide show of gratitude involving hundreds of students. The initiative encourages creativity and reflection, teaching students about the value of service, sacrifice, and community.

Schools have been asked to submit their cards by Saturday, November 1, to ensure delivery in time for Veterans Day observances.

“Every year, I’m deeply moved by the thoughtfulness of our students and the emotion these cards bring to our veterans,” said Buttenschon. “This is more than a project, it’s a community coming together to say ‘thank you’ in the most genuine way possible.”