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A symbol of warmth and kindness a quilt, especially when placed around an individual, demonstrates honor and respect.

Nine veterans were recipients of honor quilts, which were presented during a small ceremony, Nov. 11, at the Clearwater American Legion.

Members of the Summerland - Clearwater senior class organized the program, which highlighted the Vietnam War era.

According to instructor Dan Roeber, Clearwater students have conducted the program for the past decade.

Eli Thiele, a senior, said the program is "on a loop" so the program circles through the various wars.

"We make sure that each veteran from each war gets the recognition they deserve," he said.

The Vietnam era seemed to be a good fit for 2020.

"We could honor the highest amounts of veterans possible," Thiele said.

Quilts have been distributed to veterans from World War II and Korea in past years.

Roeber said veterans are chosen from a list of members of the local American Legion post.

"Ralph and Barb Tichota help me put a list together for each year," he said.

Then, Laurel Miller, science instructor at Summerland, designs and constructs the quilts.

Miller said the inspiration came about five years ago, while attending Clearwater's Veterans Day ceremony.

"I watched one veteran who could barely carry the flag proudly place it in its holder," she said. "I wanted to make him a quilt."

Miller stitched five patriotic blankets for the following year's program.

Unfortunately, the intended veteran died, but the quilt was presented to his widow.

Miller tries to make each quilt different, but most are 60 inches by 80 inches.

"I only use patriotic material and buy the backing by the bolt," she said.

While planning the annual program, Roeber looks for discussion with students about the holiday and how the event came to be recognized.

Through the years, the program has taken different styles, from highlighting a particular war, to interviewing local veterans, to examining national and local monuments.

"I want the students to understand the different hardships and struggles of the wars, not just the war itself," he said.

Patriotic pride • Chevrons of red and white, accented with stars, create the pattern of an honor quilt presented to Doug Bearinger during a Nov. 11 Veterans Day ceremony. Laurel Miller, of Neligh, made the quilt.

Thiele said it is important to honor and remember those who serve the United States because of sacrifices they made.

"It is easy to go on with our easy lives and forget about those who got us here. They put their lives on hold and sacrificed a lot for us," he said.

The holiday holds special meaning for Roeber.

"As a veteran myself, I take pride in honoring the veterans who came before me. I remember the big send-off and the parades and excitement when we returned home; not all veterans received that support for the wars they were involved in. In being part of the Veteran's Day program it gives me the chance to give some of those fellow veterans the honor and excitement they deserve.

"The blanket is a means to keep you warm, to give you comfort, to keep things together. It's unique ... how we should live together and love together."

~~Xuan Tran