"You are not forgotten." That's the message behind Blankets of Honor, an organization that works to recognize veterans and their supporters.

Blankets of Honor began as a subcommittee of the Marietta Legion Riders Post 466 about a year ago, said David Chobanoff, chief marketing officer. "We give a blanket to a veteran, a Gold Star parent or a vet supporter, and we do a presentation," he explained. "We hand them a blanket depicting the branch they (or their loved one) served in."

The blankets not only represent comfort and warmth to the recipient, but also have a deeper meaning, he stated. "The threads of a blanket are intertwined, and that represents how we are holding the person up. We are supporting them," he said. "We want to do everything we can do for the people who need us. Once they receive a blanket from us, they become part of our family."

Blankets of Honor began as a Facebook group, and the response has been overwhelming, Chobanoff said. "We now have over 1,200 people in the group," he remarked. "We have given out more than 50 blankets. ... The whole project has been very well received."

As a nonprofit organization, Blankets of Honor relies on donations from the community as well as proceeds from the sale of apparel and accessories at https://blankets-of-honor.creator-spring.com.

"We are always looking for donations," Chobanoff said, noting that the blankets are costly since they are quality, queen-size blankets. The group also gives out challenge coins at presentations and often includes decals or other items depending on the recipient.

"We are also looking for people to nominate a veteran or someone to receive a blanket," he stated, adding that World War II vets and anyone who has deteriorating health is moved to the top of the list. "Anyone is eligible to receive a blanket as long as they served or are connected to someone who served. It doesn't matter if they served in combat, in peace, overseas or on U.S. soil the whole time. They are a veteran to us, and they deserve our recognition."

Blanket presentations are open to the public, and Chobanoff added that participants are moved by the ceremony. "It's very emotional," he stated. "Sometimes, we try to surprise the vet with help from a family member, but even if the vet knows we're doing this, it's very moving and special."

Currently, Blankets of Honor has made presentations in Lancaster, York, Lebanon and Chester counties, but Chobanoff said the organization has lofty goals.

"We'd love to have every veteran in the nation covered in a blanket," he stated. "It's a huge goal to set, but we're trying to get there one county at a time."

For more information on Blankets of Honor, readers may visit http://www.blanketsofhonor.org.