Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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Army Reserve Drill Sergeant and CN employee, Leonard Gouge, talks to children at CN Head Start and Child Development Center.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Cherokee students spent Valentines Day honoring Native American veterans and expressing their patriotism by making special valentines for the men and women who have served in the United States military.

"The response to our request for valentines for hospitalized veterans has been overwhelming", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "The Tahlequah community really came together to help honor our veterans. The response from day care centers, schools, and private citizens has been great; but I am most proud of the way our children have responded. Our children have immense pride in our nation's veterans."

Some of the most positive images have been the sentiments expressed in the valentines made by students in Cherokee Nation Head Start, child care programs, and Sequoyah High School. The Sequoyah High School art class made valentines for the hospitalized veterans as a class project.

"All the valentines were great,” said Smith, “but two of them really touched me. A young man by the name of Josh wrote in his card: "to a veteran, Thanks for being there when called upon. We are proud of you. You served your country well." Another young man named Richard wrote, "Happy Valentine's Day - I am sending you this card on Feb. 14 because you are a veteran. You are an American and America is proud to have you as one of its veterans. I salute you. Stay Proud. Stay free. And most of all, Stay American.’ I believe these young people accurately expressed the feelings we all share, gratitude and honor for those men and women who were willing to pay the price."

Two Native American veterans took part in educating very young children on what it means to be a veteran. Vietnam veteran Ernie Tiger and Army Reserve Drill Sergeant Leonard Gouge spent a morning speaking to children in the Head Start and child care programs. Tiger, a former sergeant in the Marine Corps, shared his Purple Heart and pictures with the students. Tiger was wounded during a mortar attack in Vietnam in 1967. Gouge, who served in the U.S. Army and is still in the reserves, wore his uniform and spoke about what our men and women in uniform do as part of the United States military.

"I enjoy speaking to children about being a solider", said Gouge. "I think the best memory I will take from today is the response of a little three year old girl when I asked ''what does a solider do?'' The little girl said, 'You fight for me.' It's an honor to serve and fight for all children. It's especially rewarding when they realize we're doing it for them."

More importantly, is the continued pride that is passed from one generation to the next. "I would gladly go and serve again if I was needed", Tiger said. "I don't know what I would do, but I would go without hesitation. I'm proud to be an American." The same sentiment was expressed on a valentine from a Sequoyah High School student that simply read: 'Proud to be an American. I am an American.'