Local Veterans Honored with Handmade Quilts at Ceremony

UPDATE: In a heartfelt ceremony on November 11, 2025, five veterans from the Reata Glen Retirement Community in Mission Viejo, California, were honored with handmade quilts as a tribute to their service. This annual event, part of the community’s Veterans Day celebration, emphasized gratitude and respect for those who served.

The ceremony, marked by a vibrant presentation of colors and emotional speeches, saw veterans from both World War II and the Korean War receiving these special “quilts of valor” crafted by community volunteers over the past year. Among the honorees was Robert DeLue, a 98-year-old Army veteran who served from 1944 to 1947. As he prepares to celebrate his 99th birthday on November 18, DeLue expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’ve never been happier than I am now.”

The quilts were presented by fellow residents who dedicated their time and skill to this meaningful project. Joanne Schaum, one of the organizers and a long-time quilter, emphasized the importance of honoring these veterans. “We either have spouses or we were in military families, and recognizing and thanking veterans is something very dear to our hearts,” Schaum stated.

Veteran Stan Solin, 95, who served in the Army’s Counterintelligence Corps, reflected on his experience, mentioning he oversaw approximately 2,000 investigations during his service. Despite his vital role, Solin shared feelings of humility, saying he felt “slightly embarrassed” to be honored as he “didn’t duck any bullets.”

Other veterans recognized included Don Lundholm, a U.S. Navy veteran from the Korean War, and Merril Clisby, who also served in the Air Force during that conflict. The emotional impact of the quilts was palpable, with family members attending to support their loved ones during the ceremony.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation has been instrumental in this initiative, having distributed over 427,000 quilts since its inception in 2003. The Reata Glen community has embraced this tradition, with around 20 residents participating in the sewing project throughout the year. This year’s event was described as a labor of love and a sincere effort to bring comfort to those who have served the nation.

As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was charged with gratitude and respect, reminding attendees of the sacrifices made by these veterans. The Reata Glen community plans to continue this heartfelt tradition, honoring additional veterans each year.

For those who wish to support the Quilts of Valor Foundation or get involved in similar initiatives, visit their official website for more information on how to help honor and recognize the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces.