Kids send early valentines to P.E.I. veterans with help from HMCS Queen Charlotte

It was an honour for Ordinary Seaman JennaFielder-Milligan to be one of theHMCSQueen Charlotte members handing outstudent-made valentinecards to veterans.

"It's amazing to go and meet all these people who have served in our Canadian Armed Forces, so it is very rewarding for us," Fielder-Milligansaid.

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The annual tradition of handing out valentinecards is part of a program with Veterans Affairs Canada.

Approximately 17,000 cards were handed out to more than 6,000 veterans in 2017.

"They usually are very excited or surprised to get them. They often don't think that they've abig impact so they get surprised," Fielder-Milligansaid.

"We just thank them over and over, hoping that they will understand that they have had a big impact on all of us."

Stratford Elementary studentscontributedcardsto this year's Valentines for Vets.

Naval Cadet Spencer Lee said they will be delivering cards across the province leading up to Valentine's Day.

"Just the reactions on a lot of the veterans faces when we come in to visit with them, we almost always catch them by surprise but they are very thankful that we are there, what we are doing and they end up thanking us before we leave," Lee said.

"It's just a great opportunity to visit with them and just to show them that they are appreciated every day of the year."

Lee wanted to thank the 10 Stratford classeswho took time to create the cards.

"I would say they did a great job and that every veteran that looks at avalentinecomments on what's inside and they really appreciate them so the valentines don't go unappreciated that's for sure."

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