Congresswoman Speier Helps Students Deliver over 4,000 Valentine’s Cards to Vets

San Mateo, CA - Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo counties) received 4,137 cards created by elementary to high school students from 52 schools in response to her call to create Valentine’s Day cards to Veterans. The effort was supported by Superintendent Anne E. Campbell, San Mateo County Office of Education, and her staff. Speier’s staff will deliver the cards to the San Francisco VA Medical Hospital (Fort Miley), 4150 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94121 on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, 10 am – 12 pm.

Speier was inspired by the tradition that syndicated newspaper columnist Ann Landers started 27 years ago when she encouraged her readers to send Valentines cards to veterans in VA facilities across the country. Millions of cards, letters and packages have been delivered to veterans ever since.

“Delivering Valentines to Vets is a beautiful symbol of the love and admiration these young students have for the men and women who served our country,” Speier said. “Every year I’m inspired and impressed by the big piles of handmade cards that arrive in my District Office. They are made even more meaningful by their touching messages such as this one from a group of students who made a poster: ‘Not all heroes wear capes.’”

Another message from Zac,13, reads, “Dear USA Solider, thank you for all you have done to make my life, and the lives of the people around me great. When I am asked who my hero is, I don’t say Lebron James or Stephen Curry, I say any USA solider.”

Harley, a third Grader writes, “Dear Service Person, Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for your service. I feel happy because you protect us. You are the best.”

Hayden, another third Grader writes, “Dear Veteran, thank you for protecting our country. Everything wouldn’t be here without you. I really wish I could meet you.”