Local veterans were honored with Quilts of Valor Tuesday in Pella.

Cal Van Ee with American Legion Post 89 tells KNIA/KRLS News Quilts of Valor is a national program that recognizes veterans for their service through patriotic quilts. Van Ee says he was honored to receive the token of appreciation alongside his fellow veterans.

“It’s very neat,” he says. “Because over the last few years, especially during the Vietnam era, veterans weren’t welcomed home, but that attitude has been changing.”

“People like the Pella Area Quilters and Quilts of Valor just strengthen our hope in the people that they recognize what the veterans have done for them in the past.”