Valentine's Day, a time when people show that someone special just how MUCH they mean to them. Today a local Congressman spread a little love. John Shimkus stopped by the Mattoon Veteran's clinic with a basket full of Valentine's cards! News Watch's Margaret Langevin spoke with some of those veterans who say the gesture really brightened their day. Shimkus says it's important to give out these valentines to the veterans on holidays where they may not be thought of as much. He says its necessay the younger generation understands the important role they play in our country. "The fact that these kids are being taught their sacrifice and producing a product to express their thanks and it goes to the heart of not being forgotten." Not only did Congressman Shimkus think this was a special gesture, but so did the veterans. "This is the first time this ever happened to me from the children. And these children they thought enough to send a veterans card like this and I know all the veterans will apperciate every bit of this. I just don't know how to thank them" But it's those who made the cards giving veterans all the thanks and praise! Veterans say it's a gesture that truely touched, their HEART. "It makes me feel really nice let me tell you beacuse I never had it. I'm glad that they're seeing us veterans as what we were and are through the years each and every veteran has gone though their share and I appreciate it. And these kids will too when it comes time for them to know what's going on and I think each and every one of them will be proud of us." When we asked Buell if he had anything else he wanted to say, he said this. "Keep up the good work kids. I love each and every one of you." In Mattoon I'm Margaret Langevin for WEIU News Watch" Shimkus made visits to Paris, Mattoon, and Effingham on Thursday. He says thousands of Valentines have been given to veterans in the region. School classes, church youth groups, home schoolers, and individuals have all helped with the program
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