"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Valentines Delivered to Veterans

***"Students in the Cherokee Nation immersion language class make valentine cards to give to veterans. The project is done each year and coordinated through the tribe’s Office of Veteran Affairs."***

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – In honor of veterans and military personnel, the Cherokee Nation Immersion Program students recently made Valentines for Vets.

Each year the Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs sends Valentine cards to the men and women who have served or are serving the United States by protecting our country and the freedoms that mean so much to us. In honor of our country and its veterans the Immersion Program takes part in the program by making Valentines.

“The Cherokee Nation feels that it is important take the time to honor our veterans and remember the veterans who we cannot thank, because they gave their all for freedom,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “I am very proud of our Immersion students and everyone who participated in Valentines for Vets. It was a great way to show our love and support to these fine men and women for the many sacrifices that they made to protect our rights as citizens of the United States and the Cherokee Nation.”

“Our Immersion students enjoy participating in this program so much,” said Sandra Turner, Language Project Supervisor. “It’s a great way to teach them compassion for others. In addition, we consider this event to be a great time to teach our students about the history of our country and the courage of our citizens. By making Valentines the kids are taught in a fun and entertaining way that can easily be understood by children of their age division.”

The Cherokee Nation collected and distributed handmade Valentine cards for our local veterans and our military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan from area schools, churches, individuals and organizations.

“Many of our elderly veterans have no one to call on them,” said Rogan Noble of the Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs. “A Valentine from a child may have really made a difference to these individuals.”

The majority of the Valentines were delivered to the V.A. Medical Centers in Muskogee and Fayetteville, the V.A. Nursing Home in Claremore and the V.A. Nursing Home in Talihina.