COLUMBIA, S.C. — Over a dozen veterans were given a symbol of gratitude ahead of Memorial Day.
Al Wilcenski was drafted and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was one of 15 veterans who received a Quilt of Valor during the Basilica of Saint Peter Sunday service.
"When I first came home from service, the attitude of the general public was not very good towards us at all, so this is a recovery for that, let's put it that way," he said. "We have a very common thread, I would say; we all relish the time that we were in the service, and have made it home, and are still with the community."
According to Mike Mancari with American Legion Post 193 in Chapin, the quilts are all handmade and created with donations.
"It's just a feeling when you see someone have the quilt; it's just that kind of feeling - it's a warm feeling," he said. "They decided that they were going to serve, and they did. That's what this is all about," he says.
The ceremony took place at the end of the church's 11 a.m. service. Each recipient was given a quilt, and a short bio about their accomplishments was read. Then, the congregation sang the national anthem.
One of those recipients was Father Gary Linsky, the priest at Saint Peter's, who served for 32 years in the Air Force.
"I think it's a great reminder of the greater generations in one sense," he said. "Another blessing I had serving with young people overseas is that I saw America still can be great; there's still wonderful young men and women who are willing to do these things, but sometimes it's good for everyone to see."
He said that on the eve of Memorial Day, he hopes this will serve as a reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Many still, like Christ, offer their lives sacrificially," Linksy said. "Memorial Day is a day not to just remember veterans but more so to remember those who died for their country."
Wilkens said he'll cherish the quilt forever.
"I have a lot of things in the house that remind me of my service but this will be on top of that, wonderful," he said.
