Open Hearts, Helping Hands

Children enrolled in Fort Drum’s South Riva Ridge Child Development Center created handprints in the shapes of hearts, which are now on display in the White House. (Official White House photo)
 

First lady Dr. Jill Biden, children at Fort Drum join forces to send Valentines message to nation

WASHINGTON (Feb. 14, 2023) – First lady Dr. Jill Biden once again is sending a “Valentine to the Country” on the North Lawn of the White House, this time with the helping hands of the military children she recently visited at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Drum, New York, the home of the 10th Mountain Division. 

Her Valentine message this year is to “Reach out with Open Hearts and Helping Hands this Valentine’s Day,” represented by the handprints in the shapes of hearts from young children enrolled in Fort Drum’s South Riva Ridge Child Development Center. Additional “heart-work” from the military children is on display this week at the White House for members of the public to see and enjoy during their White House tours. 

The first lady visited Fort Drum on Jan. 30 as part of her Joining Forces initiative, which supports those who also serve: military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors.

(Office of the First Lady)

First Lady Jill Biden and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, center, pose for a photo with children in a classroom at South Riva Ridge Child Development Center, Jan. 30,  at Fort Drum. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott)