Quilt of Valor presented to local WWII Veteran J.L. Stevens

Every soldier has made a sacrifice that can never truly be repaid, but expressions of gratitude are well deserved and serve as an extension of what words will never be able to say. A Quilt of Valor was presented to J.L. Stevens – local WWII Veteran and DAV Lifelong member – in recognition for the sacrifices and service to his country.

For there is no greater love than a man to lay down his life for a friend; when a soldier or anyone in the military raises their hand it says I will die for the guy next to me, they are placing their life on the line, and there is no nobler act than that.

Fellow veterans joined with Quilt of Valor Presenter Mike Tarpley in prayer over Mr. Stevens before he was wrapped in the quilt.

“I have no words that can say how gracious I am … thank you very much,” Stevens said.

Since the founding of the organization, more than 140,000 quilts have been awarded in the United States, Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. With each quilt the mission to honor service members and veterans is fulfilled - one human-being reaching out and touching another without judgement, reaching out with acceptance and with acknowledgement of service to our nation in very trying circumstances.

The quilts are made up of three layers: the top with its many colors, shapes and fabrics represent the community

HERALD photos/Amanda Duforat A Quilt of Valor was presented to J.L. Stevens - a WWII Veteran - for his service and sacrifices made for his country. The presentation was made during a recent DAV meeting and was preceded by a special prayer over Stevens as he was preparing to be presented with this honor. By AMANDA DUFORAT