Two veterans were honored for their service and sacrifice with beautiful, handmade quilts as an award by the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
Sandra Cullipher and Robert Earl were both recipients of the quilts presented at a special award ceremony at Granny Clark’s Saturday, May 2.
Quilters Debbie Stubbs, Judy Angle and Peggy DeLavergne made and presented the patriotic themed quilts as a way to honor the service of Sandra and Robert Earl through the Quilts of Honor Foundation.
“The mission statement of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor,” Stubbs said.
Cullipher, 83, served 21.5 years in the Air Force from 1962-1983, retiring as a Master Sargeant.
Earl, 87, served 20 years in the Air Force from 19571977 as a jet engine mechanic and also retired as a Master Sargeant.
Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nonprofit group of quilters from across the U.S. started in 2003. More than 394,774 quilts have been awarded nationwide with more than 600 presented regionally.
The organization thinks of quilts in this way: The top of the quilt with its many colors, shapes and fabrics, represents the communities and the many individuals there are; the battling is the center of the quilt, its warmth represents the hope that the quilt provides warmth, comfort, peace and healing to the individual who receives it; the backing is the strength that supports the other layers. It represents the strength of the recipient, the support of your family, our communities and the nation. Each stitch that holds the layers together represents love, gratitude and sometimes the tears of the maker.
“Sandra and Robert, as you are wrapped in this quilt today, and every time you wrap yourself in these quilts, we want you to feel the love and hugs from your country. We thank you and we appreciate you for your sacrifice and service in our name,” Stubbs said, as the ladies folded the quilts in half, and wrapped them around the veterans while delivering a hug.