(OVERLAND PARK, KAN.) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District – Kansas) is calling on Kansas students to show their gratitude for the men and women who have served our country by participating in the Valentines for Veterans program. This program gives elementary school children 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.

“This program is a great one, and I am always happy to work with the American Legion Post 370 to make the effort a success,” Congressman Moore said. “The valentines can make a big difference in the lives of the veterans and show them that their sacrifices are still remembered and valued by young Americans today.”

Approximately 61,000 veterans are hospitalized on any given day. American Legion Post 370 in Overland Park has agreed to put the valentines in the hands of patients at Veterans Administration facilities, including those in Kansas City and Leavenworth. Moore sent 109 letters to elementary school principals in Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Blue Valley and Kansas City encouraging participation in the program. Valentines should be mailed to: Helen Robbins, Past American Legion President, 9812 Carter Drive, Overland Park, KS 66212.

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 the VA’s 172 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.