Valentine’s happened to fall this year on the Fenton History Center’s regular Canteen Day, with five local veterans presented with Quilts of Valor for their time in the service.

The quilts were given to local veterans William Johnston, Joseph Martin, Thomas Krueger, Dennis Larsen and Sonny Burns and presented by members of the Chautauqua Region Quilts of Valor chapter. All five veterans served during the time of Vietnam.

These quilts are made specially with the veterans in mind, and Barb Cessna, Fenton History Center Vets Finding Vets coordinator, said they are made with lots of time and love.

“The quilters invest lots of time along with their love and respect for Veterans, from the choosing of different fabrics to sewing on the final patch on the back of the quilt that identifies the Veteran who will receive it,” Cessna said. “Monetary donations, which can help defray the cost, are always appreciated.”

Pictured left to right are the Chautauqua Region Quilts of Valor presenters, Sue Carlson, Cindy Conner, Cheryl Beebe, Virginia Vath, Linda Larsen and sitting is Faith Swanson.

Donations can be mailed to Chautauqua Region Quilts of Valor, c/o Dianne Crandall, 3624 Ellington Street, Kennedy.

For the veterans who received these quilts, the fact that the group took this time and effort to make them for them means a lot.

“It’s a recognition that I served my country, and a thank you for my service,” Burns said.

For some of the other veterans, such as Martin, who served in the Army Signal Corps and received a bronze star, which is given to members of the Armed Forces for heroic achievement or service, getting the quilt is an honor.

“I don’t understand why they’re giving me this now, but it is an honor,” Martin said.

Larsen agreed with the others, saying that receiving the quilt is very meaningful to him as well.

“It means I’m worthy of something decent for once in my life,” Larsen said.

Krueger served as a KC-135 Pilot and flew in around 300 combat missions from 1970 to 1974. He said he also appreciates the quilt, and the time that went into making them.

“It’s a nice honor to be recognized as a veteran and for my service to the country,” Krueger said. “I appreciate the thought and effort that went into making the quilts.”

Johnston’s time serving his country originally began with him as a firefighter for his specialty. Eventually, he went through training to go into construction, and up to a power plant inspector during his time in the service. Being a recipient of a quilt of valor means a lot for him as well.

“It is really nice,” Johnston said. “It means a lot. When you wrap it around yourself you can feel the hugs.”

For more information on the Quilts of Valor or any of the Fenton History Center’s veterans programs, Cessna with Vets Finding Vets can be contacted at veterans@fentonhistorycenter.org.