Quilt of Valor

They reflect the nation's patriotic colors. They often showcase a traditional pattern -- Ohio Star, Fence Rail, Churn Dash and Log Cabin, to name a few. Many feature patriotic images, such as a Bald Eagle, U.S. flag or a praying Soldier. And all carry the Quilts of Valor label.

But these quilts are most remembered for the combat veterans they honor.

Wrapped in their very own Quilt of Valor, veterans across the nation have been receiving tangible gifts of love and appreciation from quilters since this nationwide grassroots program started in 2003. To date, more than 106,000 patriotic quilts -- representing the prayers, healing thoughts and gratefulness of their makers, have been presented to veterans who have fought for the nation in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and other conflicts around the world.

The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to "cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor." Quilts are awarded at many different levels: they may go to military hospitals where chaplains award them to service members; they may be awarded to entire service units returning from deployments; they may be awarded at veterans homes or they may be awarded individually.

On December 16th, 2022 friends and family joined together at the Stony Point Baptist Church to honor Claude Evans, Pastor of Stony Point as he was presented a Quilt of Valor. Claude is a local hometown boy who served in Vietnam . he is the son of Hadley and Ellen (Price) Evans. Claude has been the chaplain at the Leadington VFW for many years. He also was the force behind getting Wreaths Across America started at Bates Creek Cemetery and High Point Cemetery both located on Hwy. P outside Potosi. Those in attendance said it was a very emotional ceremony.