Coast Guard Academy kicks off Mission of Love campaign

New London, Conn. (WTNH) - The mayor of New London hopes when cadets graduate from the US Coast Guard Academy they will say "I went to New London" just as others say "I went to West Point" or Annapolis. He helped kick off the citywide Mission of Love campaign.

Many in New London were feeling the love Monday and inside Union Station folks say it's just the beginning.

"The Coast Guard does matter to us," said Tod O'Donnell, City Center Commission.

The US Coast Guard Academy is feeling it.

"We are thrilled with that partnership and the chance to continue that partnership," said Adm. Sandra Stolz, US Coast Guard Academy.

The city shares the excitement. The Superintendent of Schools says cadets have become mentors to students.

"When they go and talk with students who have had and are having success that has immeasurable value for young people in New London," said Nick Fisher, Superintendent of Schools.

The US Coast Guard Academy campaign comes after residents voted down the sale of Riverside Park to the academy. The focus is to celebrate its more than a century long relationship with the city and promote Union Station as a possible home for a US Coast Guard Museum.

When asked if the campaign gave her hope for expansion in the city Adm. Stolz replied, "Oh absolutely, I have great hope for the future for New London and the Coast Guard."

"It's a huge treasure," said Barry Neistat, Muddy Waters Cafe, "and I just don't want to take it for granted and we don't down here."

Neistat and his wife are helping spread the love at their coffee shop Muddy Waters.

"We're gonna put this out and people are gonna write little love notes to the Coast Guard Academy," Neistat said.

The culmination of the campaign will be February 14th, when the Valentines will be hand delivered to the US Coast Guard Academy in what folks say will be a continuation of a beautiful relationship.