New London— New London without the Coast Guard is like a cone without ice cream.

That message was written on one of the Valentine's Day cards presented to local Coast Guardsmen today on board the barque Eagle. It was the last event for the "New London Loves USCG" campaign. Local school children and residents filled out the cards.

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, on his first visit to the barque, said the Coast Guard is the "gem of our city and nation."

Capt. Eric C. Jones, commanding officer of the Eagle, was given red roses.

"We definitely feel the love," he said, before leading a tour for the city residents and business owners involved in the campaign.

Barbara Neff and Stephanie Gregerman said after that the campaign accomplished exactly what they hoped it would— it got the message out that the city truly values the Coast Guard.

j.mcdermott@theday.com