Handmade Ornaments Bring Holiday Cheer to Veterans at 62 Cedar CLC
At the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Bedford, MA, holiday cheer shines a little brighter this year, thanks to Nursing Assistant Laura Filep.
BEDFORD, Mass— Working at 62 Cedar, one of the Community Living Center (CLC) units, Laura has gone above and beyond her duties, creating personalized Christmas ornaments for the Veterans who call the unit home.
The ornaments, meticulously crafted to resemble folded American flags, each bear the last name of a Veteran. This thoughtful touch is especially meaningful, as Service Members often address one another by their last names—a tradition that fosters camaraderie and respect. Using a laser engraving machine, Laura engraves and cuts the wood herself, then lovingly hand-paints each ornament.
“I wanted their Christmas tree to be special, and I wanted to thank the vets for their dedication and service to our country,” Laura said. “My husband is also a Vet and served in the Air Force at Hanscom Air Force Base. I love helping our Vets.”
The tree, provided by the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE), is decorated by the dedicated 62 Cedar team. These ornaments, now adorning the tree, are a poignant reminder of each Veteran’s service and sacrifice. For many Veterans at 62 Cedar, whose families live far away or are no longer with us, these personalized ornaments serve as a cherished symbol of belonging during the holiday season.
“CDCE provides 62 Cedar with a Christmas tree, and the team decorates it to help spread holiday cheer for the Veterans who stay with us during this time,” said Cynthia Panford, RN, and Laura’s supervisor. “Laura’s ornaments add such a personal and heartfelt touch to the celebration.”
For Laura, crafting the ornaments is a labor of love. The time and care she pours into this project reflect the commitment of the entire 62 Cedar team. Beyond meeting the Veterans’ daily living needs, the staff at the CLC strive to create a sense of home and family for their residents, especially during the holidays.
Laura’s ornaments are more than decorations—they’re a heartfelt gesture of gratitude and an enduring symbol of the bond between those who serve and those who care for them. This holiday season, the tree at 62 Cedar shines not only with lights but with the spirit of appreciation, camaraderie, and love.
Veterans or caregivers interested in admission to the CLC can consult their VA primary care provider or a VA social worker for guidance on long-term care options. You can also visit https://www.va.gov/Geriatrics/ for more information. VA Bedford Healthcare System, which includes the ENRM Veterans’ Hospital and three outpatient clinics, remains committed to serving Veterans across Middlesex and Essex counties.