The Lake Port Square senior living community recently honored three of its residents for their service during World War II by presenting them with quilts from the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
The quilts were stitched with the words “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
The recipients of the quilts were Al Flohr, who served in the United States Navy; George Kramer, who served in the United States Army; and Ed Carls, who served in the United States Army and Air Force.
The ceremony was hosted by Renae Butler, chairperson for the Quilting Sister’s Guild chapter in Leesburg. “Today we will be awarding Quilts of Valor to three residents who served so many years ago during WWII,” Butler said during the ceremony. “We represent one human being reaching out and touching another without judgment, reaching out with acceptance. We honor you for your service and sacrifice.
“We honor you for leaving all that you hold dear to stand in harm’s way in a time of crisis, protecting us from the effects of war,” Butler added. “Your Quilt of Valor is the highest award that we, as civilians, can bestow upon you. We want you to keep this quilt with you as a tangible reminder that there are thousands of women and men across this land that are forever in your debt.”
Walt Stroly, executive director of community operations at Lake Port Square, said: “It is wonderful to see these incredible residents honored in this way. At Lake Port Square, we are lucky to have residents who celebrate one another, and this ceremony was special to everyone in the community, as we were able to give thanks to this brave group of veterans.”
The Quilts of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003 to cover our nation’s military touched by war – meaning covering them with quilts to honor their service. The quilts are collaboratively made by volunteers who donate both their time and materials. To qualify for an honorary quilt by the QOVF, service members or living veterans who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, activated National Guard, and activated or active duty-special work (ADSW) reservists are eligible.
Other eligibilities include Purple Heart Recipients, those suffering from post-traumatic stress, those with traumatic brain injuries, those dealing with Agent Orange impacts and those who have served multiple tours.
