Northern Virginia

Virginia Community Comes Together to Decorate Home of Late Veteran

When William Vaughan passed away 20 years ago, he left behind a tradition of decorating his house in Arlington, Virginia, for the holidays.

Decking out the house for the holidays was a way to Vaughan bonded with his 10 children, but it was too much work for the family keep up after he died.

This year, volunteers with Decorate a Vet stepped up to make sure the tradition returned. They strung lights, hung garland and wrapped ribbon at the home.

“This is just in memory of him and it’s just bringing back a lot of good memories,” Vaughan's daughter Tamila Vaughan said tearfully.

Decorate a Vet is a non-profit organization vowed to assist veterans in Northern Virginia to make repairs, beautify their house and decorate their homes for the holidays.

Arlington County first responders were among those helping out.

"It brings joy to my heart. I love it. We're here not only to protect, but to serve and I think it's good we remember that," said Arlington County Police Sgt. Al Taber.

Vaughan was a veteran and was deployed to Vietnam twice before he returned home injured.

"He was just an amazing man. Amazing," Tamila said.

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