In a moving but joyous ceremony earlier this month, the local Quilts of Valor guild honored veterans with beautiful, handmade pieces of art meant to keep local former service members warm while reminding them how much their community honors them.
Held at Holly Springs Baptist Church, Missy Collins opened the presentation, while State Senator Kevin Corbin emceed the presentation of a quilt to each veteran.
“This is an honor to be here as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country in our church,” said Corbin. “It is with great pleasure to present these Quilts of Valor to these men and women who served our country so well. Because of them, and because of people like them, we live in a free country, we’re free to worship and do things like this.”
The mission of the Quilts of Valor is to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comfort and healing.” Each quilt is handmade, decorated with patriotic designs and meant to be used often by the recipients.
“We realize the sacrifices you and your family made for us. May it provide you comfort in the time of need and pleasure for years to come,” said Collins. “We continue to remember all who fight and labor for our freedom, and pray for their safety, both here and abroad.”
The organization has been active since 2003 and the national foundation has presented 447,658 quilts to veterans across the country. Locally, 1,942 have been honored since 2008.
Here are the local veterans who received the honor on July 5.
Bob Milton
Bob served in the United States Air Force served during the early stages of the Vietnam War from 1954 to 1958. He is currently a volunteer at Angel Medical Center.
Earl Boortz
Bob Cook
Phil Reed
Tom LeMieux
Mann Davis
Tex Corbin
Gary Wilson
Judy Budnick
Budnick served in the Air Force. She enlisted in 1966 to 1968. She could not be present for the event.
Doug Flowerree
Flowerree served in the Air Force for three years. He could not attend the event.
“We’re thankful, God, for what you’ve done for this great nation. We think about all the missionaries that have come from the United States of America, and how the Gospel had been proclaimed all over the Earth by American citizens. We thank Jesus for your love for us and for allowing us to worship without fear of persecution or imprisonment,” said Pastor Ben Heise as he closed out the event. “Thank you, God, for the valor of those whom you used to bless this nation
