Tom Kerr, a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, was awarded a Quilt of Valor on Wednesday, Aug. 2, in a formal ceremony held in St. Mary's Atrium Lobby.

With a Color Guard from Clarke Central High School and numerous family, friends, employees and volunteers present, members of the Athens/Oconee chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation awarded the longtime Athens resident a handmade quilt in honor of his service to our nation.

"This quilt is meant to offer comfort to you and to remind you that although your family and friends cannot be with you always, you are forever in our thoughts and our hearts," said chapter representative Anne Flippen of Bogart. "We hope when you experience dark times, you will wrap your quilt around you so it can provide the comfort we have sewn into every seam."

The presentation was arranged by St. Mary's Auxiliary President Betty Davenport, a close friend of Kerr's and a fellow volunteer at the hospital Information Desk.