ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Two weeks before Memorial Day, which is set aside to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, Stitch-N-Friends quilting group in Robertsdale gathered at the PZK Civic Center in Robertsdale to honor those fortunate enough to survive the horrors of war.

Five veterans were honored on May 10 with Quilts of Valor, presented by the quilting group, which meets the second Tuesday of every month at the George P. Thames Senior Center in Robertsdale.

Since 2004, the group has made more than 500 quilts for Quilts of Valor, which presents quilts to both veterans and active service men and women.

“These quilts are being presented for three reasons,” said Stitch-N-Friends Vice President Beth Hurley. “First to honor you for your service, second to recognize the sacrifices that were made because we know that freedom is never free, and finally to offer comfort to let you know that thoughts and prayers for veterans are always in our hearts.”

Veterans receiving quilts were:

• John Quinley, presented by his daughter, Cassandra Rabren.

• Dennis Madden, presented by his wife Pam Madden.

• Allen Simmons, presented by his sister-in-law Carol Jenks.

• Jenks also made a quilt for her brother, David Smith. Mike Hill accepted the quilt from his mother on behalf of his uncle.

• Andrew O’Pry, presented by Stitch-N-Friends Treasurer Pat Hallberg.

Hurley and Stitch-N-Friends President Tina Morgan also surprised member Robert Taylor, who served as a chaplain in the military for over 30 years.

According to its website qovf.com, the Quilts of Valor Foundation was started by Catherine Roberts from her sewing room in Seaford, Deleware. Her son Nathanael’s year-long deployment to Iraq provided the initial inspiration, and her desire to see that returning warriors were welcomed home with the love and gratitude they deserved provided the rest.

“She had a vision of seeing all veterans wrapped in the comfort of a quilt,” Morgan said.

Since 2003, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has become a national grassroots community service effort, connecting the home-front with warriors and veterans. To date more than 130,000 quilts have been awarded to service members and veterans across the country.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

If you would like to learn more about the Quilts of Valor Foundation and how you can have a quilt made for a service member, contact Stitch-N-Friends President Tina Morgan at 251-654-2286.