Pupils send Valentine greetings to veterans
By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — First-graders created heartfelt valentines on Monday that Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s office will deliver to veterans.
Congresswoman Watson Coleman visited Lisa Rizziello’s classroom at Maurice Hawk Elementary School as part of her “Valentines for Veterans” campaign. The West Windsor school was one of four in her district that she chose to participate in the project in which the children’s handmade valentines will be distributed to veterans at the Trenton Veterans Center.
“We have a lot of veterans who served our country… and fought in wars all over the world,” Congresswoman Watson Coleman said. “They made sacrifices so you and I would not have to . . . and when they were finished with their service many of these brave vets came back with injuries that were serious or that were not so serious.”
She told the children that many veterans rely on the services provided by the Trenton Veterans Center and that the valentines would be given to veterans who go there for help.
“Some of them are not fortunate enough to have families like we are,” Congresswoman Watson Coleman said. “Some of our vets are very lonely and this might be the only Valentine’s Day card they get or the only note they get from anybody in while. So tell them you are proud of them for their courage, thank them for their bravery and tell them that you will not forget them.”
Before leaving the children to create the valentines, the congresswoman read the children’s book “The Day it Rained Hearts” to put them in the Valentine’s Day spirit. She then asked the students to think of other holidays that they may be able to brighten others’ days with cards that they make.
Councilwoman Linda Geevers said it was a wonderful idea to engage the students in a special assignment for veterans.
“It’s also a very good experience for the children to express their gratitude at a very young age,” she said.
Ms. Rizziello said the assignment fit in perfectly with the letter writing unit the students are currently working on.
“And we’re always thinking about ways to give back and make people smile,” Ms. Rizziello said.
Her class of 18 students planned on making a total of 36 cards for delivery to the veterans.
First-grader Josh Pastor wrote in his valentine, “Dear veteran, Thank you for protecting our country and keeping our country safe. You are very brave. Thank you for helping the world find peace.”