It was a moment more than 60 years in the making.

Aaron Mendoza Jr. of Katy, who served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945, received special thanks for his service to his country during a special presentation by Quilts of Valor® on September 6. The 100-year-old World War II veteran, who also served in the Air Force during the Korean War, was awarded a special handmade quilt done in patriotic colors, draped around his shoulders by the organization’s representatives. The ceremony took place at the monthly veterans’ breakfast hosted by American Legion Post 164 of Katy, held at the Elks Lodge at 1050 Katy Fort Bend Road in Katy on the first Saturday of every month.

The presentation was coordinated by representatives of the American Legion Post 164 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164.

A Quilt of Valor® (QOV) is intended both to honor a veteran for his or her service, sacrifice and valor in a ceremony and to impress upon them that they are not alone. Mendoza’s quilt was made by the Quilts of Valor® chapter from Mongomery, Texas, and presented by chapter members Dianna Martinez and Lisa Sullivan. Martinez said that the organization was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts; the organization’s website says that the group awarded its 400,000th quilt this summer. Martinez said that the local organization has awarded over 450 quilts.

Martinez said that the organization has a national list of nominees to receive the quilts, along with a local list. To nominate a veteran for the program, please visit the Quilts of Valor ® foundation website at qovf.org.