By Ken Grimball
Seated in wheelchairs across Long Island, hundreds of veterans wait day after day. Although their numbers are large, many feel alone. These are people who, many years ago, were wide eyed and willing to fight to keep Americans safe. How many of us can truthfully say that we have even thought about a veteran recently? Many are in comfortable buildings, but they face the daily discomfort of being left to the memories of how they arrived at their present conditions.
Today in Plainview, a group of excited children tried to make a difference in the lives of some Long Island veterans. They were from the Burns Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville. Hundreds of beautiful valentine cards were delivered to the Nassau County Veterans's Service Office. Many of them had large colorful hearts drawn on their fronts. The wording thanked the veterans for their service in the military and wished them a happy Valentines Day. They were added to boxes and bags of other cards contributed by children from many other Long Island elementary schools.
Those valentine cards will be greatly appreciated by veterans who are getting along in years. For some who sit and wait alone each day, those thoughtful valentine cards will remind the veterans that they are loved and appreciated for the service they have given to keep Americans free.