(WWLP) Holyoke – More than 2,000 letters written by local students were delivered to residents of the Veterans Home at Holyoke ahead of Veterans Day as part of an annual effort led by State Sen. John Velis.
Velis delivered the letters on Tuesday after collecting messages from students across the Hampden and Hampshire District in the weeks leading up to Veterans Day. The letters will be shared with residents of the Veterans Home in Holyoke as well as deployed service members stationed around the world.
Now in its seventh year, the initiative connects young people with veterans and active-duty military members through handwritten notes, cards and artwork expressing gratitude for their service.
This year’s effort included students from 24 schools in Southampton, Chicopee, Agawam, Holyoke, Westfield and West Springfield.
“It is incredibly meaningful to see our community come together each year to honor Veterans Day and help teach the next generation about the service, sacrifice, and commitment of our military veterans,” Velis said. “These letters serve as a powerful reminder that our veterans and service members are appreciated and remembered.”
According to Velis, students ranging from preschool through high school participated in the project, contributing letters, handmade cards and artwork. Over the past seven years, the program has delivered thousands of messages of appreciation to veterans and service members.
Due to the large number of submissions received this year, Velis’ office also distributed letters to veterans living at Beaven Kelly Rest Home in Holyoke and to participants in Jillian Battles’ Bags of Bravery project.
The Bags of Bravery initiative assembles and delivers care packages containing toiletries, books, snacks and other essentials to local veterans and active-duty service members.
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