Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and one local Congressman is making sure our Hudson Valley veterans are feeling the love.

Congressman Pat Ryan Announces Return of Valentines Initiative For Vets

Earlier this week Congressman Pat Ryan announced the return of his 3rd annual Valentines for Vets initiative.

In a press release Congressman Ryan said "Veterans put their lives on the line to keep us safe and protect our democracy - it’s the ultimate expression of love for their fellow Americans and for our country." He goes on to add how great it is to see the community's "outpouring of gratitude to our local veterans."

For those that don't know, Congressman Ryan is a veteran himself serving 2 combat tours in Iraq. He also is the first West Point graduate to represent the Hudson Valley based academy in the U.S. House of Representatives.

How To Send a Veteran a Valentine

Each year the Valentines for Vets program delivers Valentines to local veterans at Castle Point VA in Wappingers Falls and Vassar Brothers Medical Center n Poughkeepsie.

Veterans  at Hudson River Housing and Veterans Service Organizations across the Hudson Valley also received Valentines.

If you're interested in spreading the love and sending a Valentine this year, drop off your valentine or letter to Congressman Pat Ryan’s Newburgh office located at 605 Broadway.

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To ensure that the valentines are delivered on time, you're asked to have the cards postmarked no later than February 7th, 2025. If you're dropping off cards in person, deliver them by February 11th, 2025.

Additionally, if you're dropping off more than one valentine you are asked to include a count of the number of cards on a sheet of paper enclosed with the valentines.

Questions and more information can be found by contacting Congressman Ryan's district office at 845-443-2930.

Thousands of Valentines Made for Local Veterans

As mentioned earlier, this is the 3rd year for the Valentines for Vets initiative and it has been extremely successful since its inaugural year back in 2023.

According to the press release over 9,000 valentines were made by Hudson Valley students and community members. Congressman Ryan has high hopes for the 2025 initiative stating:

 I’m looking forward to rallying together again this year to show them how much the Hudson Valley values their heroism and service.”

Learn more at PatRyan.house.gov.

Hudson Valley Restaurant Perfect for Your Valentine

Treat your Valentine to a romantic dinner at one of these five unsuspecting Hudson Valley Restaurants. They offer the perfect combination of food and drink with a dining experience that feels intimate. I like to say these places are hiding in plain sight. You know them, you drive by them and now it is time to stop in for a romantic dinner date. From Kingston to Rhinebeck to Cornwall, West Park, and Milton, New York it will be hard to decide you may need to visit all five.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

LOOK: 45 Vintage Valentine's Day Cards That Will Transport You Back To Grade School

The vintage Valentine's Day cards will have you thinking about making a Valentine's box for your grade school classroom.

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

Here's Where You Can Get a Heart-Shaped Pizza This Valentine's Day!

These are some places in the Capital Region where you can get heart-shaped pizzas this Valentine's Day. Say 'I Love You' with a delicious heart-shaped pizza. Check them out. Click on the name of the pizzeria to go to their website. Order ahead to ensure you can get these amazing pizzas.

Gallery Credit: Google Maps

 

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