American Legion Post 66, The Connecticut chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, and the Old Saybrook Piecemakers invited 15 Middlesex County veterans to Clinton on May 9 for a touching gift honoring the veterans’ service on behalf of the country.

Veterans Gerome Turner, Tina Lanzi, Ludwig Spokas, Calvin Bunnell, Douglas Shomo, William Burdick, Arthur Nedobity, Donald Wells, James B. Hayes, Dennis Dougherty, David Roane, Vincent Bystrek, Thomas Kelley, Johnie Brown, and Woodrow James were honored at the event, each receiving a handmade quilt.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation donates quilts to active duty military members and veterans. At the event, each recipient was called to the front of the room, and a short recap of their service was given. They were then draped in a quilt that is approximately 10 feet long, each bearing a distinctive pattern.

The quilts were made by the Old Saybrook Piecemakers. Nancy Burns, a Clinton resident and member of the group, said that the group has been making quilts this year at an incredible clip.

“We made 50 quilts last year, and this year we’ve already made 50,” she said. “So, we are way ahead...There are so many people who have become aware of Quilts of Valor, so more people have come forward.”

Often, the veterans don’t know the person who made the quilt.

“What we get in return is seeing what it means to the people getting the quilts,” said Burns.

Jane Dougherty, the co-coordinator for the Quilts of Valor Foundation Connecticut chapter, said that awarding ceremonies like the one in Clinton are held at least once a week. The foundation began in 2003, and has since awarded 217,000 quilts nationally, according to Dougherty.

“I have the best job in the world,” said Dougherty as she awarded one member their quilt.

Both Dougherty and Burns said the group is looking for more volunteers.

“We’re always looking for people who can sew tops. We can always put you to work,” Burns said.

Piecemakers regularly holds sew days where the members get together and sew in a big group, and Burns said that new members who may not know how to sew are always welcome.

“A sewing machine is just a power tool with thread,” said Dougherty.

Interested parties can contact Jane Dougherty at jane.doughterty@qovf.org or Burns at nan_burns@yahoo.com. More information can be found at the Quilts of Valor Foundation website www.qovf.org.