(KANSAS CITY) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District – Kansas), along with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (Fifth District – Missouri), visited the Kansas City VA Medical Center on Monday to hand-deliver “Valentines for Veterans” made by students of New Stanley Elementary School in Kansas City, Kansas, to show their gratitude for the men and women who have served our country.

“I visited 150 grade school children at New Stanley Elementary School in Kansas City, Kansas, last Friday to talk to them about how meaningful their valentines are and let them know what a difference they were making in the lives of our veterans,” Moore said. “I’m so grateful that those wonderful little people took the time to show their appreciation and remind us all to recognize and honor the sacrifice of our veterans this Valentine’s Day and every day of the year.”

Over 61,000 veterans are hospitalized on any given day. The Valentines for Veterans program gives elementary school children around the nation the opportunity to make valentines for hospitalized veterans who may not have friends or family in the area to remember them on that special day.

“In times of crisis, our nation looks to the men and women of the armed forces,” Moore said. “They have never hesitated in answering our nation's call, giving of their time, service and in many cases their lives. These valentines can make a big difference in the lives of the veterans and show them that their sacrifices are remembered and valued by young Americans today.”

Moore sent letters to all elementary school principals in his district encouraging participation in the program and visited New Stanley Elementary School to personally collect valentines. Selected greetings* prepared by students at New Stanley Elementary include:

“Thank you for the help that you did for us.”

“I hope you feel better on Valentines Day.”

“Thank you for all your hard work soldier. I love soldiers.”

“Happy Valentines Day. Thank you for freedom.”

“Thank you for fighting the war for us to live. I’m sorry you’re in the hospital but thank you. I love all of you. I hope you feel better now and I hope you get out of the hospital soon and I will pray for you.”

“Thank you soldier. Be my valentine’s. Thank you for your hard work.”

“Thank you for the help that you give us.”

“Good job in the army.”

“Thank you for being brave.”

In 1996, Ann Landers printed a letter from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown announcing the Ann Landers Valentines for Vets program. This led to an outpouring of support with more than 1 million valentines being sent to VA medical centers across the country. The program has been an incredible success in the Third District thanks to both the Veterans Administration and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Approximately 5,000 valentines are sent every year from Kansas City-area schools.

*Some students’ comments have been edited for clarity.