George Mason Elementary School was in the national spotlight as one of the 4,000 schools that participated in “Operation Valentine.”
The students joined thousands of other youngsters from around the country in making handmade valentine cards for US troops who are participating in Operation Enduring Freedom to fight terrorism around the world.
Mary Jo Myers, wife of General Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is coordinating the effort.
“This began as an initiative by our International Neighbors Club in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “We baked cookies and other treats at Christmas and wanted to continue to support our troops. We enlisted the aid of the National Association of Elementary School Principals to help us with Operation Valentine.”
The International Neighbors Club is a group of spouses of ambassadors from around the world, U. S. government leaders, members of Congress from both parties, Supreme Court Justices and journalists. In addition to the valentines, the National Association of Confectioners has donated candy for the troops as well. The cards and candy will be sent to military transports, as space is available.