By J.D. O’Gara

On Wednesday, November 16th, 2022, 18 Franklin veterans, residents of Magnolia Heights Gracious Retirement Living were honored with quilts from the organization, Quilts of Valor, in a special ceremony attended by members of the Franklin American Legion Edward L. Grant Post 75, Massachusetts American Legion Norfolk County District Post 6 Commander Bob Lewis, Franklin Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbett, Rep. Jeff Roy, and other members of the Magnolia Heights community.

Recently re-elected Rep. Jeff Roy spoke to the veterans that was honored to take part in the event, as he sets out to continue his “important work” at the State House. “I would not be able to do that work but for the work that you did to protect this country, protect this people and preserve freedom for everyone, so for that, I’m sure I speak for everyone in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we give you a heartfelt thank you for everything you’ve done.”

Theresa Perreault, the Massachusetts State Coordinator for the Quilts of Valor Foundation, thanked the honored veterans, welcoming them “home.” She spoke of the Quilts of Valor organization’s history, noting that more than 6,000 chapters combine efforts to create the unique pieces, which have been given to over 300,000 former servicemembers “touched by war.”

“We expect that you’re going to use them. They are beautiful. You might want to put them on a wall or you might want to put him in a box or put them away. Don’t do that. We want you to be wrapped in it. We want it to keep you warm. It is to comfort and remind you that someone is always thinking about you,” said Perrault.

For more information on Quilts of Valor, visit www.qovf.org.