Rep. Pat Ryan (D-19) visited veterans at Castle Point Tuesday to help give out 9,000 Valentine’s Day cards.

The cards were handmade from students at 204 schools in Orange, Ulster and Dutchess Counties.

Local businesses and residents also helped to make and collect cards. 

“You can just feel the love in them," said Rep. Ryan. "It really not only makes your day makes your month and your year, so we get to spread that joy 9,000 people today on Valentine’s Day and that is really, really cool.”

Veterans spent a few moments each talking with Ryan and thanked him for helping to make the day a bit more special.