Veterans Honored with Handmade Quilts at Urgent Ceremony

UPDATE: Five veterans from the Reata Glen Retirement Community in Mission Viejo, California, were honored with heartfelt gifts of handmade quilts during an emotional Veterans Day ceremony on November 11, 2025. This annual event, celebrating the sacrifices of those who served, revealed the community’s commitment to expressing gratitude through the Quilts of Valor initiative.

Residents gathered in droves at the community’s meeting hall, where the quilts—crafted over the past year by dedicated volunteers—were draped over the shoulders of veterans, including two World War II heroes. Among the honorees was Robert DeLue, a 98-year-old Army veteran who proudly served from 1944 to 1947. He expressed profound appreciation for the recognition, stating, “I can appreciate Veterans Day because at my age, I’m still blessed with good health and happiness.”

In a moment that will resonate with the community, volunteers Martha and Dale McGinty presented a quilt to Merril Clisby, a Korean War veteran who served from 1952 to 1956. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform, as Clisby noted, “It is an honor to be recognized for my service.”

The Quilts of Valor Foundation has awarded over 427,000 quilts since its inception in 2003, with Reata Glen residents taking part in this noble effort. Joanne Schaum, a key figure in launching the program at Reata Glen, highlighted the love and respect that fueled the initiative, stating, “We either have spouses or we were in military families, and recognizing veterans is something very dear to our hearts.”

Other veterans honored included Stan Solin, a 95-year-old Army veteran who served in the Counterintelligence Corps during the Korean War, and Don Lundholm, a Navy veteran from the same conflict. Solin humorously expressed his modesty, recalling his intelligence work, “We didn’t wear uniforms. The government gave us $300 to buy civilian clothes.”

The impact of the ceremony was palpable as families gathered to witness their loved ones being celebrated. Renee Sampedro, DeLue’s daughter, shared her pride, stating, “I’m so proud of my dad today and always. It’s such an honor to see him recognized.”

As the quilts were presented, close to 20 Reata Glen residents showcased their skills and passion for quilting, with many participating in the year-long effort to honor the community’s veterans. The event was made even more special by a Presentation of Colors, where veterans carried flags, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and respect.

The annual ceremony is not only a celebration of bravery but also a reminder of the community’s dedication to honoring those who have served. With each quilt, the Reata Glen Retirement Community continues to weave a tapestry of gratitude, ensuring that the sacrifices of these veterans will never be forgotten.

For those interested in supporting the Quilts of Valor initiative or participating in future ceremonies, more information can be found on their official website. As communities across the nation come together to celebrate Veterans Day, the heartfelt gestures of gratitude continue to resonate deeply.

Stay tuned for more updates on local events honoring our heroes.