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Sussex County veterans honored at fairgrounds

| 04 Aug 2015 | 03:43
    During the presentation, the front rows were populated by quilters and veterans. The groups that created the patriotically themed quilts included the Fairgrounds Quilters and the Sussex County Quilters.
    During the presentation, the front rows were populated by quilters and veterans. The groups that created the patriotically themed quilts included the Fairgrounds Quilters and the Sussex County Quilters.
    Quilters Gail Pressimone of Wantage, Barbara Thomas of Wantage, and Gale Nederfield of Lafayette prepare the quilts before the presentation.
    Quilters Gail Pressimone of Wantage, Barbara Thomas of Wantage, and Gale Nederfield of Lafayette prepare the quilts before the presentation.
    At the right, presenter Barbara Thomas of Wantage speaks about the recipient of a quilt. At the left are Wallkill Valley VFW Memorial Post 8441 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Jim Davis and the fair's Sponsorship and Events Manager Kristin Vincent.
    At the right, presenter Barbara Thomas of Wantage speaks about the recipient of a quilt. At the left are Wallkill Valley VFW Memorial Post 8441 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Jim Davis and the fair's Sponsorship and Events Manager Kristin Vincent.
    Stanhope veteran Frank Arminio helps display a Quilt of Valor from presenter Barbara Thomas of Wantage.
    Stanhope veteran Frank Arminio helps display a Quilt of Valor from presenter Barbara Thomas of Wantage.
    A Veterans Administration benefits mobile center and staff was on hand to explain all the benefits veterans can qualify for, along with a certified counselor to answer questions and offer advice.
    A Veterans Administration benefits mobile center and staff was on hand to explain all the benefits veterans can qualify for, along with a certified counselor to answer questions and offer advice.
    Vietnam veteran John Harrigan of Vernon is shown receiving a Quilt of Valor from presenter Barbara Thomas of Wantage.
    Vietnam veteran John Harrigan of Vernon is shown receiving a Quilt of Valor from presenter Barbara Thomas of Wantage.
    Wallkill Valley VFW Memorial Post 8441 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Jim Davis is shown accepting a Quilt of Valor for Vernon resident and veteran Bob Wallace. At the right is presenter Barbara Thomas of Wantage, the fair's director of creative home and hobby efforts.
    Wallkill Valley VFW Memorial Post 8441 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Jim Davis is shown accepting a Quilt of Valor for Vernon resident and veteran Bob Wallace. At the right is presenter Barbara Thomas of Wantage, the fair's director of creative home and hobby efforts.

AUGUSTA — The opening weekend of the New Jersey State Fair included the debut of “Tribute to Our Troops," which included a “Quilts of Valor” presentation on Saturday.

The fair partnered with the new Veterans Closet in Franklin. The tribute was sponsored by the U.S. Army, Berkeley College, and Yankee Propane. There also was a Veterans Administration benefits trailer and staff on hand to explain all the benefits veterans can qualify for, along with a certified counselor to answer questions and offer advice.

Before the event, the fair’s Sponsorship and Events Manager Kristin Vincent shared,

“I am very excited about organizing this weekend, as my entire family has been in the military and am happy to do something to show our appreciation for all that they do,” the fair's Sponsorship and Events Manager Kristin Vincent said.

The groups that created the patriotically themed quilts included the Fairgrounds Quilters and the Sussex County Quilters.

— Photos by Chris Wyman