Hi, I’m Chere Ledoux with Acadia Parish Tourism, and today in Rayne, Louisiana, we come together to honor those who have served. This marks a special milestone — Rayne’s first official Quilts of Valor presentation by the Acadiana Quilters, a group that’s been stitching gratitude into every thread for less than six months, while carrying a lifetime of heart. Through a partnership between WoodmenLife and American Legion Post 77, these handmade quilts can be presented to local veterans.  The quilts are more than fabric — they become symbols of comfort, healing, and a nation’s appreciation. The Quilts of Valor Foundation began with a simple mission: to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting, healing quilts — tangible reminders that their sacrifice is seen and never forgotten. Today, Rayne honors six heroes: Ralph Stutes, Charles Sidney Stutes, Steve Raymond, John Petitjean, Terry Smith, and Daniel Doise. Each quilt represents hours of volunteer work, but even more, it represents respect, gratitude, and community. In a small town, big gratitude lives. From Rayne, Louisiana — thank you for your service, and welcome home.