Elementary students in Canton have been busy making Valentines the past two weeks. The week of February 8-14 marks the Annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, and students from Eastview, Westview, and Lincoln Elementary schools have gotten into the spirit. The Russell Smith American Legion Post 533 in Cuba will be sending three representatives to the Iowa City VA Medical Center on February 13 to tour the facility and to hand out the Valentines. “I’m so proud of the students and teachers for getting involved in this project with me,” states Tricia Diers, Post 533 Adjutant, “Most children today know a Veteran or somebody who is currently serving in the military, so this was a wonderful way for the kids to honor them and let them know that their service will not be forgotten.”
Pictured is Mrs. O’Brien’s 4th grade class at Westview. They worked together to create 100 valentines and bookmarks for the Veterans on their 100th day of school.
The participating teachers are: From Lincoln - Mrs. Culbertson; from Westview – Mrs. O’Brien, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Snowman, Mrs. Bequeaith, Mrs. Young, Mrs. King, Mr. Clayton, and Mrs. Steck; and from Eastview – Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Atchley, Mrs. Pritchard, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Harrison, and Mrs. Hinchee.
The Iowa City VA Medical Center proudly serves more than 184,000 veterans from 56 counties in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, including Fulton County. Diers, along with fellow Legionnaire Dwight Eddington, and his wife, Dee, will be taking nearly 500 Valentine cards to present to veterans at the hospital this Saturday.
If you wonder how we can honor veterans, the American Legion reminds us that when we are attending an event and hear the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, or see the American flag being marched past, always remember to remove our cap and place our right hand over our heart. Dwight Eddington says, “Small gestures and respect go a long way.”
The Russell Smith American Post 533 holds its meetings for members on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm. If you are a Veteran and are interested in joining the American Legion, please contact Tricia Diers at the Cuba Legion at (309) 785-5456, or your local post.
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