Local schools participating in the Valentines for Vets program. (Kevin Kyle/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill

SMILE SUNDAYS

‘They’re not forgotten’: Medicine Hat, Redcliff and area students thank veterans with Valentine’s Day cards

Feb 11, 2024 | 12:05 AM

Zeke Allen, a grade eight student at Redcliff’s Parkside Jr. High School, was hard at work this week cutting out a heart and writing a message to those who served or are currently active in the military.

Cards that Allen and students across Redcliff and Medicine Hat write will be mailed to both Veterans Affairs and the Redcliff Legion to be distributed as part of the national Valentines for Vets initiative.

The program was created as a way for Canadians to show appreciation for veterans or Canadian Armed Forces members by sending them a valentine on Feb. 14.

“It makes me feel nice knowing that someone else will be happy during valentine’s day, even after going through the trauma, or whatever [they experience], if they were there in a war,” Allen said.

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A student at Parkside School in Redcliff working on a Valentines for Vets card. (Kevin Kyle/CHAT News)

“Now they got something to brighten their spirit up a bit, make their day.”

Barry Cole, president of the Redcliff Legion, served 22 years in the British Army.

Cole said the Valentines for Vets program works as an important reminder for military members that they are remembered.

“It’s primarily for the Canadian Armed Forces that are in their housing establishments and everything else,” Cole said.

“It’s good for them to get the cards from the children so that they are recognized for what they’ve done and not forgotten.”

A number of students at Parkside school have family members who are veterans or are currently with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Carsten Blake is a grade nine student who shares that connection.

“My dad, he’s a vet, navy veteran. He was in Iraq fighting there,” Blake said.

“I just think it’s another way we could show appreciation for them,” he added.

“They fought for our freedom. They fought for what we have today.”

Cole said there is significance to being remembered throughout the year, and not only on Remembrance Day.

“As a veteran, it’s quite emotional to get them, especially from the children,” Cole said

“I know they do a lot for remembrance day, but to have them remember on valentine’s day as well, especially for the single veterans that are out there,” he added.

“It gives them the ability to understand that they’re not forgotten.”