Sixteen veterans were honored for their service at a ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11, at The American Legion Post 253 in North Webster. The men were recipients of Quilts of Valor. Photos by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Sixteen veterans were honored for their service at a ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11, at The American Legion Post 253 in North Webster. The men were all recipients of Quilts of Valor.

The quilts were hand-made by the Lakeland Quilt Club members.

Those presented with quilts included: Burt Green, Army; Russell Becker, Navy; Arthur Johnson, Army; Jim Kvidera, Army; Jim Fisher, Army; George Bacon, Coast Guard; Robert Paul Wittig, Army; Ron Moser, Air Force, Marines and Army National Guard; Dennis Bailey, Army; Lew Collier, Army; Steve Reed, Army; Craig Baker, Navy; Garry Ringler, Army; Berger Anderson, Army; Donald Hagan, Army; and Daniel Hagan, Army.

Two of the men are related. The Hagans are grandfather and grandson. They said it was a great experience to be recognized together. They both were surprised and had no idea they were getting quilts.

Andrea Klinger, the Legion Auxiliary President, said this is the largest group they have had since the Quilts of Valor program began six years ago.

Laura Greig, a member of the Lakeland Quilt Club, said she got emotional handing out the veterans’ quilts.

“This is the only time we get to meet the recipients,” she said with tears in her eyes. “It is a blessing that they are here to receive it.”

Fourteen of the quilts were each made by a member, while two of the quilts were made by all of the members of the club.

All of the veterans were nominated by organizations, such as the Legion Auxiliary.

Russell Chandler, who received a quilt of valor in 2020, provided musical entertainment prior to the Quilt of Honor presentation, including “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood.

Shown is one of the quilts presented to one of the veterans.

Donald Hagan, left, received a quilt along with his grandson, Daniel Hagan. Both men are from the North Webster area.

Andrea Klinger, president of North Webster American Legion Auxiliary, gives Donald Hagan his certificate.

Arthur Johnson proudly displays his quilt and certificate at today’s ceremony. He served in the U.S. Army.