"It's a special day when you're with American veterans," guest speaker Brigadier General (Ret) William Leszczynski said at Charles E. Sherman American Legion Post Sept. 20. "Quilts of Appreciation" recognizes military veterans by presenting each with a handmade quilt. 

Now in its fifth year, the annual event was started by Pat Johnston of Nobleboro who each year pulls together volunteer quilters, entertainers, speakers, servers and members of the Legion and Auxiliary to provide a memorable event and luncheon. Helping Johnston is husband Wayne, who served in Vietnam and is a member of Legion Post #36. "It's a team effort," she told the Register.

Originally an event with 58 people, on Saturday, 110 attendees applauded family members and friends as 22 veterans were thanked for their service with red, white and blue quilts made by volunteers during the year.   

Johnston explained, the veterans are selected on an ad hoc basis. When she or her husband hears about a veteran who hasn't received a quilt, "They are added to the list," she explained. Most of the veterans are residents of Lincoln County. Eight quilters volunteered their time, many making multiple quilts throughout the year for the annual event. "Each quilt takes about 40 hours to make," she said, "and is labeled with the name of its quilter." 

While Johnston can provide funds to the quilters, she said most of them won't accept money from her. She provides batting and finishes putting the layers together, working with an additional five "longarm" quilters to finish each piece.

The Volunteers Jazz Band played throughout the event and Saturday's program began with a flag presentation by Scout Troop #213 of Damariscotta. Post 1st Vice Commander Christopher Armstead introduced his daughter Imij who sang the national anthem, followed by Leszczynski's remarks. 

Thanking everyone associated with Quilts of Appreciation, he praised the quilts as, "Extraordinary works of art; spectacular in every respect." Speaking to the veterans, Leszczynski said, "To all here today, you helped pay the bill to keep our nation free. Thanks very much." 

Those receiving quilts were U.S. Army: William Leszczynski, Brian Abbott, Scott Bergey, Keith Hill, Pat Harrington, Scott Maney, Stephanie Mclain, Tony Prest, Arnold Thibodeau and Ralph Turner; U.S. Coast Guard: Robert Mitchell. U.S. Navy: Jane Young, Dale Brown and John Hochstein. U.S. Marine Corps: David St. Pierre, Duke Wells, Frank Wickersham and Michael Bartlett. U.S. Air Force: Nancy Bailey, James Bailey, Russell Jackson, Mark Leeman.   

Those interested in making quilts for veterans may contact Pat Johnston at 563-2239. Donations for fabric and batting can be sent to Pat Johnston, 93 Back Meadow Road, Nobleboro, ME 04555.