The Lumberton Senior Center hosted its third Quilts of Valor presentation of the year Tuesday, honoring two local veterans with handmade quilts as a symbol of appreciation for their military service.
Volunteer coordinator Connie Hebert said the ceremonies take place alongside the center’s monthly coffee gathering for military members and first responders.
Hebert said the quilts are coordinated through Linda Hudson, the Hattiesburg representative for Quilts of Valor. The partnership began in January, when the center held its first presentation to honor a local veteran.
Hebert contacts veterans’ family members to help complete applications while keeping the presentations a surprise for the recipients. Once the applications are submitted and the quilts are ready, Hudson contacts Hebert to arrange the ceremonies.
Hebert said she hopes to hold presentations more frequently as the center receives additional applications.
“We’d like to honor our veterans as much as possible,” Hebert said. “If we could do it every month, we would, but at the moment, we’re trying to get applications out so we can get more quilts for our people.”
One of the veterans honored was Marion Turlich, who said he served in both the Navy and Army for a little more than 15 years before retiring.
“I appreciate it very much that the people have recognized my time and service,” Turlich said.
Turlich said community events recognizing veterans gives military members an opportunity to feel appreciated for their service. He also said he hopes younger generations learn the values of respect and duty.
“I’d like to tell the young people out there that there’s really no better thing to help them to learn respect and duty and stuff than the military,” he said.
Those interested in learning more about the quilts or the quilting process can contact Hudson, who coordinates the quilting efforts, Hebert said.
Hebert said she enjoys helping organize the presentations and finding ways to recognize veterans in the area.
“They put all their heart and soul into what they’ve done. And we need to help them. We need to represent them and honor them,” she said.
The Lumberton Senior Center also hosts activities throughout the year, including health and resource fairs, games and weekday lunches. Hebert said the center welcomes community members who want to participate.
