The project became especially meaningful for Justin when he thought of his sixth-grade classmate, Richard Yasuda, whose father is in Iraq.

On his cards, Justin wrote: "Dear Marine, Thank you for protecting us and our country from terrorism and helping civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan to reconstruct their countries."

The school presented the gift bags, cards, paper flowers and a large pink valentine signed by all the students to Marines yesterday. The gifts were to be distributed today at a family day celebration at the base.

"I think Valentine's this year is different because we have guys from our country in other countries," said Justin, who is not from a military family. "They are not with friends and have forgotten what being at home is like. I feel love for my family, my country, my classmates and my friends because our soldiers are protecting me."

Marines yesterday read valentine messages written by schoolchildren.The cards and gift baskets will be distributed today at the base. Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser

Tonja Hillegass, Pu'ohala Elementary's PTA secretary, said sixth-grade teacher Mary Place, second-grade teacher Audrey Mijo and Carol Pa'aoao, the school's parent community network center coordinator, intended to do a Christmas project for families of deployed Marines but decided instead to do it for Valentine's Day. The response from notices sent to student families for donations was overwhelming, said Hillegass.

"We got dolls, stuffed animals, bubble baths, stickers, household goods, even some money," said Hillegass, who noted that Marines from the base assist the school with its fitness program, cleanups, tutoring and special events.

Marine Master Sgt. Milton White, who serves as a liaison between the school and Marines, said, "It's truly encouraging to see the community support that we at Kane'ohe receive from the community."

This project was more than a cutting, pasting and writing exercise. That some of the youngest pupils grasped the meaning of why it was being done made it a gift from the heart.

When asked what love is, 6-year-old Tatyana "Taty" Kaha'ulelio replied, "Love is pink hearts and flowers. I made mine to give to the soldiers, for good luck so they won't die. Valentine's Day is love and love is spending good times with someone ... for them, they cannot."

Harlee Jay-Pedro, 6, observed, "They have the war and caring for other people. Love means hugging people when they feel bad so I want to care about them. I want them to always come back so they can just have a happy Valentine. I don't know them but want to say hi to the Marines and Happy Valentine's Day."