SPRUCE PINE — The Brian Center honored its resident veterans Monday, Nov. 11, at a special Veterans Day ceremony.
Brian Center Administrator Shelley Tinsley welcomed the guests and then turned the presentation over to Shannon Tipton, who led a time of live, patriotic music.
In front of fellow residents, family and friends, the Brian Center recognized resident United States Army veterans Phillip Magid, Robert Townsend and Joseph Gugliotti and presented each of them with a commemorative keepsake package that included a special American flag donated by Buck Stove.
Also, Brian Center resident and United States Air Force veteran Ephraim “E.K.” Brown was wrapped in a Quilt of Valor and recognized for his service.
Quilts of Valor, an organization that wraps veterans in specially made patriotic quilts, wrapped its first veteran in 2003 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Quilts of Valor is made possible through the work of volunteers who donate time and materials to create quilts and present them.
Each quilt is personalized and handmade. The quilts are meant to provide comfort, hope and healing.
Quilts of Valor volunteer Stamie Cline presented Brown with his quilt and thanked him for his service.
Brown, 67, is a highly-decorated veteran who served in the Air Force for more than 20 years, including three tours in Germany and more than a year at Kadena Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan.
“Today, we honor our veterans for their love and dedication to country, for their patriotism and most of all, their willingness to serve and the sacrifices they have made to honor our great nation and protect our liberties and freedom,” Tinsley said. “We not only express our gratitude for your service, but we consider it an honor and privilege to now serve you here at the Brian Center.”