The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild presented Quilts of Valor to a father and son, SP5 Howard Bishop, and SSG Brian Bishop (Ret.), on March 10. Both are lifelong Macon County residents. Howard served in the United States Army in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict, and Brian served in the United States Army in Iraq as part of the Global War on Terrorism.
Both Howard and Brian are lifelong members of the Vietnam Veteran’s Assoc. Post 553 and VFW Post 7339, as well as long-standing members of the American Legion Post 108 in Franklin. Brian is currently serving as Assistant Captain of the Honor Guard.
The Guild provides handmade quilts to veterans free of charge in appreciation for their service to this country, as a reminder to the veteran that they are appreciated, remembered, and cared for, by providing a quilt of warmth and love. The quilts are awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war. The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
The Guild meets at 10 a.m. each second Monday at the Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center, 51 Cowee School Dr, Franklin. Members gather at 9:30 a.m. for greeting and social time. For more information, visit smokymtnquilters.org or visit their Facebook page.