Local Man Honored with Quilt of Valor

Dennis Taylor, state coodinator for Quilts of Valor presents a quilt to James England – Staff Photo by Michael Williams

When the Halls Lions Club met in May, one of their members was unaware he was about to be honored for the selfless sacrifice he had made for his country.

During the meeting, Quilts of Valor Regional Coordinator Dennis Taylor addressed the members and explained the history of Quilts of Valor.

The organization was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts whose son was returning home from war. Roberts remembered how the Vietnam era veterans were treated when they returned home and wanted to ensure her son, as well as all veterans, were treated with more dignity and respect. Roberts’ act of kindness and appreciation was well received by others who followed here example and a national organization was created. Quilts of Valor is a not-for-profit organization created to give a heart-felt thank you with a garment decorative garment. When veterans wrap the quilt around themselves it is like a warm hug from a grateful public. Since the organization was founded 10 years ago more than 85,000 quilts have been given to servicemen and women.

Taylor asked Vietnam Veteran James B. England to stand and be recognized. England had served 20 years in the Air Force. England was unaware of the honor that was about to be bestowed upon him. He had been nominated by Halls Lions member Steve Lewis.

The quilt presented to England was entitled “”Lady Liberty Salutes You.” The quilt features several decorative patriotic symbols and a picture of the Statue of Liberty. When England received his quilt the venerable veteran was moved to tears.

“Most who get these quilts are moved to tears,” said Taylor. “This quilt had been featured in the Smoky Mountain Guild Quilt Show.”

The organization is planning to give 15 quilts to 15 Vietnam veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder in the coming weeks. Quilts of Valor operates solely from donations of materials or monetary donations. For more information about the organization visit www.qovf.org or call Dennis Taylor at 865-310-3625.