Local Glass Artist Starts National Veterans Glassblowing Day

BROADWAY, Va. (WHSV) -- A local glassblower is sharing her talents and honoring veterans with a new event.

Lisa Aronzon got the idea to give back after listening to President Barack Obama talk about helping veterans after they have returned from war.

Aronzon didn't want to keep it to the Shenandoah Valley. Aronzon convinced more than 25 other schools and studios across the country to honor vets with glassblowing classes.

Lisa Aronzon is hosting this class because she remembers when things were different.

"Because of my memory of how mistreated they were, it's really nice to be able to do something so fun for them," said Aronzon.

David Harris is one of those men. He was drafted in the Vietnam War.

"Being drafted to serve it was my duty to serve. I don't think anyone in Georgia or Maryland where I did my career ever thanked me," said Aronzon.

People in the Valley approached Harris differently.

"I've had numerous people come up and shake my hand when they found out I was a veteran and thank me for my service," said Harris.

Harris is one of 15 veterans who thanked Aronzon and her assistants for this free class.

"It makes you feel good as a serviceman that somebody would put forth an effort to say thank you," said Harris.

"And you could see them smile and they're all excited, when can I get my paperweight because it has to cool overnight," said Harris.

A paperweight with multiple steps from turning the glass to adding color.

"So we started by gathering clear glass from the furnace....Keeping it turning so the glass doesn't fall off center," said Aronzon.

Each step to honor a hero who won't admit to being one.

"Real heroes are the ones who aren't with us," said Harris.

"You were just a group of guys more or less just trying to survive and make the best out of what you had," said Harris.

A small way to say thank you, some hope becomes a tradition.

"I never served and I just respect that greatly that they're still willing to serve even with something so dangerous happening," said Aronzon.

"The saying is now heroes don't wear capes they wear dog tags," said Harris.