Local Veteran Receives Quilt

A local veteran receives a special gift from a national organization.

Wednesday, Danny Joe Godfrey of Toccoa received a quilt from the Quilts of Valor organization in a ceremony during the monthly veterans’ coffee at the Mitchell Allen Meeting Room in the historic train depot in downtown Toccoa.

Quilts of Valor is a national, non-profit organization that makes and distributes quilts to service members and veterans.

Since 2003, the group has distributed more than 100,000 quilts nationwide.

Quilts of Valor Georgia State Coordinator Frances Brooks said the quilts carry a multi-part messagae.

“First, we honor Dan for his service, for his willingness to leave all he held dear and stand in harm’s way in a time of crisis for all of us,” said Brooks. “Second, we know that freedom is never free. Our quilts are meant to say ‘thank you’ for your sacrifices.”

Thirdly, Brooks said the quilts are meant to offer comfort for the service member or veteran and are meant to be used.

“We expect you to use the quilt,” said Brooks. “It was not made to put on the wall or hung in a display case.”

Godfrey served in Vietnam in 1968 with the 101st Airborne, receiving three wounds.

During his tour, Godfrey received the Purple Heart and National Defense Service Medal, along with other recognitions.

Brooks encouraged all of the veterans to look into the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

For more information on the organization, go online to www.qovf.org.