In an effort to spread a feeling of appreciation to veterans and their families throughout Central New York, Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Onondaga County) announced that as part of his “Valentines for Vets” program he has collected more than 4,000 cards created by young students from 20 local elementary schools. Assemblyman Stirpe today hand-delivered the cards to Clear Path for Veterans and will be going throughout the district to give out to local VFWs and American Legions.

“I’m humbled by the amount of appreciation our young students have shown for our local heroes and the extent to which this program has exceeded our expectations,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “I want to thank the thousands of students who made this program successful, as well as our local educators for teaching our children the value of the incredible sacrifices our veterans have made.”

This is the second year Assemblyman Stirpe is dedicating Valentines to our local veterans. Assemblyman Stirpe noted that the remaining cards will be taken to the soldiers at the 174th Attack Wing here in Syracuse and Ft. Drum in Watertown, New York.

Below is the list of elementary schools that participated in the program:

- Allen Rd. Elementary

- Bear Rd. Elementary

- Cicero Elementary

- Lakeshore Rd. Elementary

- Roxboro Rd. Elementary

- Smith Rd. Elementary

- Fabius-Pompey Elementary

- Tully Elementary

- Enders Road

- Fayetteville Elementary

- Mott Road

- Chestnut Elementary

- Donlin Drive Elementary

- Elmcrest Elementary

- Liverpool Elementary

- Long Branch Elementary

- Morgan Road Elementary

- Nate Perry Elementary

- Soule Road Elementary

- Willow Field Elementary