The 'call to order' began with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer led by The Rev. Dr. Jenna Goggins, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Paducah, Invited veterans were asked to be seated on the front row for this ceremony that was a surprise for some.
Robert Worden and his wife Donna, members of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, Paducah Ambassadors, Disabled American Veterans and First Presbyterian Church, lead the ceremony with a special introduction.
Worden read to the guests, “The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a grassroots group of quilters from all across the United States. In 2003, a quilter named Catherine Roberts had the idea of comforting veterans with quilts during the time her son was deployed in Iraq. Since then, over 151,768 Quilts of Valor have been awarded here in the United States, and abroad. Our mission is to honor our service members and veterans who have been touched by war with Quilts of Valor.”
For the veterans, these quilts bring a three part message from the hearts of those who created them. First and foremost, the quilts honor the veterans for their service in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Worden continues to read, “We honor you for leaving all you hold dear and for standing in harm's way in a time of crisis, protecting us from the effects of war.“Next, our quilters know that freedom is not free.” Worden continues, “The cost of our freedom is the dedication of lives of men and women like you, and this quilt is meant to say THANK YOU for your sacrifce.”
The quilters craft these beautiful and functional works of art so that veterans can be comforted and to remind them that although their family and friends cannot be with them at all times, they are forever in our thoughts and in our hearts.
One by one, the service members in attendance were presented with a beautiful patriotic themed quilt and a certificate that read, “The Quilts of Valor Foundation wishes to recognize your service to our nation. We consider it a privilege to honor you. Though we may never know the extent of your sacrifice and service to protect and defend the United States of America, as an expression of gratitude, We Award You This Quilt of Valor.”
Each veteran had their quilt draped over them and were presented with their certificate.
Special thanks to these veterans for their service and sacrifice:
Richard Borges – Navy/Desert Storm – Desert Shield
Robert Cashner – Army/Iraq
John English – Army/Iraq and Somalia
Arthur Hastings – Army/Vietnam
William “Billy” Haynes – Army/Afghanistan and Iraq
Johnny Jones – Navy
Joey Pullin – Army/Gulf War and Iraq
Robin Walls
Damian Bachman – Marines/Iraq (currently serving at Camp Pendleton)
On the Net:
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