Colorado Springs – On Veterans Day, the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center gathered families, volunteers and local leaders to honor twelve veterans with the organization’s signature Quilts of Valor. Each quilt, painstakingly sewn by community volunteers, serves as a tangible reminder that the sacrifices of these men and women are remembered and appreciated.

Program roots and national growth

The Quilts of Valor initiative began in 2023 when the first quilt was presented to a veteran at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Since that inaugural ceremony, the program has expanded beyond Colorado, becoming a nationwide effort that recognizes veterans in towns and cities across the United States.

How the twelve honorees were chosen

Each year, Mount Carmel invites community members to nominate veterans who have made a lasting impact. Nominations are reviewed by a committee of volunteers and staff, and twelve individuals are selected for the ceremony. This year’s honorees represent a cross‑section of service branches and eras, reflecting the diverse fabric of Colorado’s veteran population.

Volunteer craftsmanship at the heart of the ceremony

“Behind every quilt are volunteers who want our veterans to know their service is remembered and appreciated,” said Bob McLaughlin, executive director of the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center. “We’re proud to bring them together on Veterans Day for a personal expression of thanks from the community they served.” Volunteers of all ages contributed time and skill, stitching together patterns that often incorporate symbols of the veteran’s branch, rank or personal interests.

Community impact and future plans

The ceremony not only honors the veterans but also strengthens bonds among families, local businesses and civic groups. Attendees included representatives from the Colorado Springs City Council, local churches, and the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, all of whom praised the program’s ability to unite the community around a shared purpose.

Mount Carmel encourages residents to continue supporting the Quilts of Valor program. Those interested in nominating a veteran or volunteering to help create future quilts can visit the organization’s website for more information.

About Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center

Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Colorado’s veteran community through outreach, counseling, and events like the Quilts of Valor ceremony. The center relies on donations, corporate partnerships and a robust network of volunteers to carry out its mission.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.