SEA ISLE CITY – On Jan. 28, World War II veteran Gerald Gardner, of Sea Isle City, received a handmade quilt from South Jersey Quilts of Valor Sewing Group.
The red-white-and-blue blanket, ceremoniously wrapped around the 91-year old during the presentation, helped complete the Quilts of Valor organization’s mission to “cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts,” according to a release.
Originally from Pembroke, N.H., Gardner, commonly known as “Mr. G,” enlisted in the Navy in 1943 shortly after graduating from high school.
After a bout with scarlet fever during the early part of his naval career, Gardner went on to serve as a diesel mechanic aboard a minesweeper tender ship in the Pacific theater. He ultimately advanced to the rank of Third Class Petty Officer.
Following World War II, Gardner attended the University of New Hampshire on the G.I. Bill and earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.
His career in the service industry included work at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia. He served as director of Food Services for the Upper Darby (Pa.) School District, and owned and operated Mr. G’s Little Chef Restaurant at 29th and Spruce Street in Philadelphia.
In 1977, Gardner and his wife, Mary Anne, moved their family of four from Drexel Hill, Pa, to Sea Isle City, where they ran their second Mr. G’s Little Chef Restaurant at 3603 Landis Ave. for 20 years.
For the Quilts of Valor volunteers, serving those who served the nation is its own reward.
“This is an important program because many of our veterans saw and experienced some awful things,” said Liz Barrett, of South Jersey Quilts of Valor. “Our veterans often put their lives on the line for us, and their families had to make great sacrifices as well. Our quilts are a physical way we can thank them for their service.”
“We are always happy to honor a World War II veteran because unfortunately each year there are fewer members of The Greatest Generation still with us,” added Barrett.
“Nonetheless, we want to honor all of our veterans – especially our Vietnam vets, many of whom were treated very badly when they returned home. It is not uncommon for veterans to become emotional when they receive their quilts – it’s extremely moving.”
To nominate a veteran to receive a handmade quilt or to make a monetary donation to Quilts of Valor, visit www.QOVF.org.
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