Quilts of Valor were presented to four veterans following the Memorial Day ceremony at the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Monday.

The presentations were a surprise to Joe Belardo, Jim Jensen, Steve Pringle, and Ralph Vega.

Vega told the audience he accepted the quilt on behalf of the Vietnam Vets and the Missing in Action.

The quilts were presented in order to Belardo, Jensen, Pringle, and Vega. These former soldiers do not know ahead of time about the presentation. Pringle thanked those in attendance, adding they appreciated ‘this day.”

It was an emotional presentation for the veterans, who were clearly honored and grateful for the quilts.   Quilts of Valor are made by local quilters as a way of honoring service members who have been touched by war. The Quilts are intended to help with comforting and healing.