A handful of the veterans served in Vietnam, or outside the country during the war, while others served after, or even in the Middle East during more recent conflicts. 

Tuesday morning, 17 local veterans were honored for their service and those who could make it were presented with quilts handmade by a group of quilters. The remaining quilts will be presented at an upcoming American Legion meeting. 

Organizer Roena Halbur said it was the fifth year the Crossroads Stitchers group has made and presented quilts to veterans. This year, as they made nearly three times the amount as the year before, Halbur said they decided to make it more an event and hold a brunch for veterans and their families alongside the presentation. 

One of those veterans, Gary Hopson, who served three years in the U.S. Navy, said he served basically as a radio man during the final years of the Vietnam War. 

“You're one of those heroes who served in Vietnam,” Halbur told him as another quilter put a Navy themed quilt over Hopson’s shoulders. “We know you came home to a cold shoulder, but we hope you feel a lot of appreciation in this room today.”

George Haresky, a 24-year Air Force veteran, said he enjoyed his years in the service, visiting countries all over the world, but is also so appreciative for the USA, its veterans and those who didn’t make it back.

“We’ve got the best place here, and we’ve got the great Lord that watches and takes care of us,” he said. “Say a prayer for this country. Say a prayer for the ones that aren't here as a veteran, but they're in our memory. And thank you for everybody that served in the service. I appreciate it, and I salute you. God bless America, and God bless you.”