"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Seek Valentines for Veterans

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – In honor of veterans and military personnel, the Cherokee Nation is sponsoring its annual Valentines for Vets drive.

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.

“I want us to take 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. “Valentines for Vets is 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.”

The Cherokee Nation would like to encourage all individuals, school classes, civic organizations, church groups and service organizations to join them in their effort by making handmade Valentine cards for local veterans and military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“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 can make a difference to these individuals.”

The majority of the Valentines will be 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.

Those interested in participating can drop off their Valentines at the Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs, which is located directly behind the Cherokee Nation gift shop in the Tsa La Gi Office Complex, Room 137. The Valentines should be brought to the Office of Veterans Affairs no later than Friday, February 9, to ensure delivery in time for Valentines Day. For more information on the Valentines for Vets program, call 918-453-5695.