LARGO, Fla. — A Largo veteran and widower was in for a special surprise on Thursday.
Neighbors gave Bruce Bird a very special gift. He served in Vietnam in the late 60s.
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Bird was also a purple heart recipient along with many other awards and honors.
On Thursday, Bird received a Quilt of Valor. It's given to wounded service members and veterans all over the nations.
"Just so honored to have it presented to me," Bird said.
Bird's family up north nominated him for the quilt, but they could not be there for the event.
His wife died just before Christmas in 2018. So, when Bird's neighbor Betty Sharp found out he was nominated, she rallied the troops in their mobile home park.
"I'm very proud of him and I had at one point four brothers in service, so I know what it would mean to them," Sharp said.
Bird said it meant the world to have his friends and neighbors there to support those who served and continue to serve.
"Glad that people appreciate other service men that served their country to give you something like this," Bird said.
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