LISBON — Beacon Hospice honored two special heroes on Feb. 6 at The Lamp Memory Care Center in Lisbon. Each veteran was presented with a certificate, an American flag pin, a military memory book, and a beautiful hand-made knitted American flag.

As American veterans have done everything asked in the mission to serve the country, the staff feel it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. Hospice staff may provide the last opportunity for veterans to feel that their service was not in vain, and that they are appreciated. Simple acts of gratitude at the end-of-life can make up for a lack of appreciation or recognition during the veteran’s lifetime, especially for those veterans who were never welcomed home or thanked for their service.

Honored were Lloyd Barrows, a U.S. Army veteran, and Ronaldo Bertrand, a U.S. Marine veteran.

Barrows was born in Unity and was stationed in Kentucky during his active Army duty.

Bertrand can still tell stories of being in the Korean War and getting frostbite. He is one of the original “Frozen Chosin” and fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He also received a Bronze Star Medal on Dec. 5, 1950.

U.S. veterans Ronaldo Bertrand, left, and Lloyd Barrows are honored for military service by staff from the Beacon Hospice.