Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.  

BRATTLEBORO — An Army veteran, who's turning 95 next month, was honored with a Quilt of Valor in appreciation for his service. 

"We're very excited this morning to have a recognition of a very important man in our community, Sam Mercurio, one of our stalwart members of our group here," Dr. Robert Tortolani said during the weekly Tuesday morning veterans gathering at the American Legion. 

About eight years ago, Mercurio moved to Brattleboro to live with family. He previously resided in Norwich, N.Y., where he grew up and still visits. He's now the only surviving sibling of six.

In 1948, Mercurio entered the Army. He convinced his father to sign the necessary papers to get into the army, as he was only 17. 

"On his first tour, he was actually stationed in Bamberg, Germany, where he was trained in heavy weapons, including a 50-caliber machine gun, 81 millimeter mortar and recoilless rifle," Tortolani said. "He was also involved in guarding German prisoners."

At the time, Tortolani said, "many Germans in the community were unhappy that Americans were in their country, resulting in occasional dangerous situations."

PHOTOS: Honoring Sam Mercurio

Sam Mercurio, a Brattleboro resident and Army veteran, was honored on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, with the Quilt of Valor. 

"With jobs and civilian life at a premium, Sam decided in 1958 to join the Army for a second tour," Tortolani said.

During the second tour, Mercurio served as a military police guard coordinator, scheduling guards for Women's Army Corps nurses at the Army Hospital in Fort Belvoir in Virginia. He also played the bugle and helped with the production of the soldiers' newsletter.

When Mercurio retired from the Army in 1960, he had reached the rank of specialist fifth class.

"Sam's been a very loyal member of our group here, which has been meeting for six years every Tuesday morning," Tortolani said. "And we can't be more honored to be nominating you, Sam, for this Quilt of Valor."

Lynn Carrier, Vermont coordinator for the Quilts of Valor Foundation, and her husband Mike Carrier presented the quilt to Mercurio. Lynn thanked Mercurio "from the bottom of my heart."

A poem read by Lynn says the quilt is made from "a few pieces of cloth from people who care to honor your service."

"Carefully chosen materials of red, white and blue," the poem reads. "Sewn together for those patriotic and true. A top pieced together with caring and pride. Then quilted with backing, warm layer inside. Every stitch and seam sewn from the very start. With appreciation and gratitude straight from the heart. For you who have sacrificed for us here at home, may this quilt warm and comfort you, wherever you roam. Our hope with this quilt is to make sure you knew, we appreciate all you’ve done and all you’ve been through."

Veterans stood and saluted Mercurio, with the quilt wrapped around him.  

"It's been an honor to be a part of this group," he said, adding that he always admires all the sacrifices made by his fellow veterans. "Thank you very much on my behalf."

Tags

Sign Up For Newsletters