Perry Chapel honors 19 veterans with Quilts of Valor service

Perry Chapel held a Quilts of Valor service Nov. 9 during the worship service. Two-hundred-twenty friends and family members were in attendance, and 19 veterans were honored. Eighteen of the veterans were from Perry Chapel, and one was the guest speaker — Kevin Henthorn, who is the executive director of Knox County Veterans Service.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a national organization founded in 2003. Since then nearly 400,000 quilts have been awarded here in the United States.

A Quilt of Valor is made of three layers, and each layer has its own special meaning. The top — with its many colors, shapes and fabrics — represents the communities and the many individuals in them.

The batting is the center of the quilt. Its warmth represents the hope that the quilt will bring 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 and the support of his or her family, the communities and the nation. Each stitch that holds the layers together represents love, gratitude and often the tears of the maker.

Each quilt represents a three-part message from the givers to those receiving. The quilt honors them for their service, recognizes freedom isn't free and offers comfort to the veteran.

Sixteen quilters, all from Perry Chapel, were involved in making the 19 quilts. Each honored veteran was called to the front stage, where they were draped with a handmade quilt made specifically for them by one of the 16 different quilters. There were three couples honored, and branches of service represented were Army, Air Force, Navy and National Guard. There was a time of fellowship and refreshments after the service, and family pictures were taken.