Utica, NY – This week, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) proudly continued the tradition of spreading gratitude, love and appreciation to area 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 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 Tilton School, and Holland Patent Central School District 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 veterans’ community gatherings throughout the district, meeting with local heroes and sharing the students’ heartfelt messages. At each stop, these valentines served as touching reminders that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.

“The enthusiasm from our students and educators has been absolutely outstanding,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “Bridging generations, these valentines expressed the love and gratitude of our youth to those who served our great country with the courage, honor, dedication, and sacrifice that embodies the American Armed Services. Witnessing the emotional and joyful responses of our veterans as they read was incredibly moving, and is a testament to the powerful bond between generations and the enduring appreciation the Mohawk Valley holds for our military men & women.”

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 thoughtful devotion of our outstanding educators, who instill the values of respect, service, and compassion in our young students. Their supportive guidance has created a lasting impact, not only on the heroes who received these cards, but on the hardworking and amazing students who crafted them as well.”

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

“It is one of the greatest privileges I have as a Member of the Assembly, the opportunity to honor the great men and women who served our nation with such courage and sacrifice,” said Buttenschon. “Not just on special occasions, our veterans deserve recognition and support each and every day, and I am committed to continuing my advocacy and ensuring they receive the honor, care, and respect our veterans have earned.”