Students make cadets valentines

New London, Conn. (WTNH) - A city wide effort to show New London's appreciation of the Coast Guard started a few weeks ago and Monday some of the city's youngest ambassadors did their part.

Students at the Winthrop Magnet school gave a tour of the school to cadets from the Coast Guard Academy.

The Coast Guard Academy cadets arrived at the Winthrop school Monday to an excited group of second graders. A lucky few did the Valentine's Day honors.

Two hundred valentines were handed out, each with a personal message from the young students.

"I wrote have a good Valentine's and thanks for keeping the country safe," said second grader Ariana Seldon.

Ariana and fellow second grader Jamesha Weathers also gave the cadets a tour of their brand new school.

"How the school is and how big the school is," said Jamesha.

The valentines are part of a citywide effort to show how much the academy, which has been in New London for more than a century, means to the city. At Union Station the "NL (heart) US CG" sentiment is showcased and in one classroom the feeling is mutual.

"Valentine's Day it's just a great thing to celebrate unity and togetherness," said cadet Richard Parocha, "and the New London community and the Coast Guard Academy we've been working together forever and so this is just a great way to solidify that statement."

"I've lived in New London for four years and I love living here," said one cadet. "I tutor at Bennie Dover Jackson."

Part of the community and part of its future: that is the hope of those who despite the failure to sell part of Riverside Park for the academy's expansion are hoping a Coast Guard museum will be built there.

Parocha would also like to see that happen.

"Oh I would love to," Parocha said. "I mean it would be nearby, could just walk down. It's nice to always see history, you can learn from it."

The rest of the valentines will be given to the cadets who are on the Barque Eagle along with the rest of the crew. That will take place on Valentines Day.