James Robert (Jim) Patton of Clarkesville recently received a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his distinguished military service.
Patton is a retired Petty Officer First Class with more than 20 years active duty with the United States Navy. He served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War and in Lebanon. Patton also served as Commander of American Legion Post 84 in Habersham County and as Commander of Disabled Veterans Chapter 15 in Rabun County.
For many years, Patton assisted veterans with transportation to the VA Hospital in Atlanta and, when needed, transportation to regular doctors appointments. Visiting veterans at the Veterans Hospital and Veterans Home has been a common practice for him for many years.
Patton served in the Honor Guard for military funerals, having participated in an average of 100 ceremonies per year. He participated not only in Georgia but also in North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama.
Patton is a member of the Joseph Habersham Chapter, Georgia Society the Sons of the American Revolution and served as a member of the Georgia Society Color Guard for many years.
“Jim is truly a deserving recipient of the Quilt of Valor. Every stitch in this quilt was made with thanks for Jim and his service to our country,” said Shirley Hill, member of the Tomochichi Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Hill told Patton this handmade quilt is an expression of gratitude meant to thank and comfort him.
“We honor you for leaving all you hold dear to serve, whether in time of crisis or in time of peace.
The top of the quilt with its many colors, shapes, and fabrics, represents the communities and the many individuals we are,” Hill said. “The batting, the filler, is the center of the quilt, its warmth. It represents our hope that this quilt will bring warmth, comfort, peace, and healing to the individual who receives it. The backing is the strength that supports the other layers. It represents the strength of the recipient, the support of his or her family, our communities, and our nation. Each stitch that holds the layers together represents love, gratitude, and sometimes the tears of the maker.”
Over 300,000 quilts have been made in the U.S. by both men and women to help comfort American military Veterans.