Utica, NY – Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) has officially launched her 2026 Cards for Vets Initiative, an annual community tradition that connects local students, veterans, and families across the Mohawk Valley in recognition of Veterans Day.

Now in its seventh year, the annual initiative invites students from across the region to handcraft thank-you cards and write heartfelt letters to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The cards will be distributed to local American Legion posts, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, nursing homes, and senior centers throughout Oneida County ahead of Veterans Day.

Each year, the initiative sees hundreds of cards collected from classrooms across the region, bringing smiles and gratitude to those who sacrificed for our freedoms. This year’s schools invited to participate include the Utica City School District, Rome City School District, Whitesboro Central School District, New York Mills Union Free School District, Oriskany Central School District, Utica Academy of Science, Notre Dame Elementary & Junior/Senior High School, Westmoreland Central School District, the New York State School for the Deaf, the House of the Good Shepherd/Tilton School, and the Holland Patent Central School District.

The Cards for Vets campaign first began as a single classroom effort and has now grown into a district-wide show of gratitude involving hundreds of students. The initiative encourages creativity and reflection, teaching students about the values of service, sacrifice, and community.

Schools have been asked to submit their cards by Saturday, November 1, to ensure delivery in time for Veterans Day observances.

“Cards for Vets continues to show how much our veterans mean to this community,” said the Assemblywoman. “A handwritten card may be a small gesture, but they remind our veterans that they are seen, that they’re remembered, thanked, and that their service remains an inspiration to our youth. I was inspired to launch this campaign seven years ago, and year-after-year I am deeply moved by the thoughtfulness of the students and educators who make it all possible. I am grateful for their overwhelming enthusiasm to give back.”