Pine Plains vets receive Quilts of Valor

PINE PLAINS — Veterans and their families assembled at American Legion Post No. 426 in Pine Plains on Saturday, Nov. 11, to honor veterans with service in the U.S. military. 

Commander Marie Stewart of the American Legion Post began the ceremonies by welcoming the approximately 50 people who gathered on the brisk morning outside as veterans took seats on the lawn against a backdrop of flags from all military service departments. 

“Let us pledge to honor their service by fostering a sense of community that reflects the same resilience and unity they have shown us,” Commander Stewart said. 

George Keeler, American Legion Post chaplain, led the group with a benediction. 

Three veterans were honored with Quilts of Valor that were made by Lynn Clinch, wife of local veteran George Clinch. 

The Quilts of Valor project was begun in 2003 to bring comfort and healing to service members or veterans who have been touched by war. 

Clinch creates the colorful Quilts of Honor by hand with cotton fabric. She makes them in different shapes and sizes, but they always convey a patriotic message. 

Clinch displayed each quilt then draped it over the shoulders of each of the three veterans who were being honored. They were Steve Camburn, Phil Amelio and Brian Coons, who is commander of VFW Post 5519 in Pine Plains. 

Saturday’s Veterans Day observance commenced with the reading of a handful of  thank-you cards from local grammar school children, who expressed their thanks for the veterans’ service. 

“Veterans thank you for protecting us in hard times of war. I appreciate your risking in putting your lives to save us,” wrote third grader Charlie H.

Commander Stewart closed the ceremony by saying: “Let us honor our veterans not only with words but with our action, by ensuring that they are welcomed and embraced as they return to the homes and their families.”