Gazebo Valor Quilters Mark Memorial Day

The Gazebo Valor Quilters honored about a dozen veterans the afternoon of May 19 at the McHenry County Historical Museum. Since 2011, this volunteer group has given away about 3,390 quilts to deserving men and women – presented with a smile and plenty of hugs.

More than one of the recipients commented that hugs were in short supply while they were on active duty!

Michael Pedone, an Army veteran, said he wished he had such a quilt to keep him warm when he was on duty in Alaska.

Master Sgt. Daniel Symonds, of Elgin, who continues to serve in the Army after 20 years, said he is looking forward to sharing his quilt with the family.

“It will be nice laying out on the couch with my wife and my two little girls,” he said with a smile.

For more information about the Gazebo Valor Quilts, contact Cathy Smetters at cbsmetters@ameritech.net. To fill out a Valor Quilt application for yourself or a loved one visit https://mchenrycountyhistory.org/heritage-quilters.