Locals and visitors who frequent the lobby of the Pine Crest Inn in Pinehurst Village are most likely loyal fans of "Mr. Piano Man," Clarence Levine, who has been the regular entertainment at the Pine Crest for over 12 years.

Levine was recently honored during a ceremony at the Pine Crest Inn for his original song, "Waiting in the Rain."

As an airman during the early 1970s, Clarence served in the U.S. Air Force honor guard detachment in Washington, D.C. As member of the honor guard, he participated in hundreds of military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, the majority of which were for servicemen killed in Vietnam.

Permanently touched by the pain and grief of family members standing at gravesite waiting for the funeral procession to arrive, Clarence recently wrote and produced a song in their honor.

"Waiting in the Rain" is a patriotic tribute to families of fallen servicemen.

During a recent trip to Pinehurst, Col. Jane Newman heard Levine sing "Waiting in the Rain." Newman took several CDs back to Arlington National Cemetery, where she works, and gave them to the Arlington Cemetery military chaplains and the Arlington Ladies, a group that supports family members during military funerals.

So touched were they by the words and melody of the song, the Arlington Ladies presented Levine a newly published picture book, "A Living Treasure: Arlington National Cemetery." The author of the book and the Arlington Ladies and chaplains wrote tributes to Levine, praising his patriotism, his continuing service and his beautiful song.

"On behalf of the office of the chaplains at Arlington National Cemetery, we thank you for your service to our nation. May God richly bless you today and forever," wrote Chaplain David Reese, Arlington Cemetery chaplain.

Chaplain Brian Swain, USAF, wrote: " the freedom we enjoy rests on the shoulders, service and sacrifice of those buried here. Thank you, Clarence, for your service and support of our nation."

"The lyrics and the music were deeply moving -- they meant so much to each of us. Thank you for creating "Waiting in the Rain" and for sharing it with the nation. We appreciate your sincere and continued patriotism." Col. Jane Newman, USA (ret.), Army Representative, Arlington Ladies.

Col. Jack Wood, USA (ret.), a local resident, made the presentation to Levine on behalf of the Arlington Ladies and the Office of the Chaplains at Arlington National Cemetery.