Veterans, ranging from those who served in World War II through the Iraq War, were honored Tuesday afternoon, June 14, during a special Flag Day service held at Tigard's Summerfield Estates Retirement Community.

The service included tributes to America's veterans complete with an honor guard, music, poems, and a motorcycle salute and parade from the Patriot Guard Riders and Sunset Harley Owners Group (also know as HOGS).

The highlight of the commemoration was the distribution of handmade quilts distributed to veterans by the Beaverton Montavilla Quilts of Valor, represented by Chris Dunn.

"It's my honor to be here to honor the people who made this place a free place," Dunn told those gathered outside in the retirement community's front parking lot before talking about the importance of Flag Day, established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson.

Quilts of Valor was begun in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, the mother of a soldier deployed to Iraq. Roberts felt that a quilt would provide comfort and healing for her son and other soldiers.

"So the mission is to cover every veteran who has been touched by war in some fashion and that's a different definition for a lot of different folks," said Dunn. "(It) started out as a very grassroots group, and over 313,000 quilts have been awarded, year to date … since 2003. That's a lot of energy, folks."

Dunn said those who would like to nominate a veteran so he or she can receive a quilt should visit the Quilt of Valor Foundation at qovf.org.

Tigard Mayor Jason Snider praised the veterans gathered for the event as well.

"I really want to recognize all the significant commitments and sacrifice that so many of you made to make sure that our country and our government can continue to function as it is today, and I get the benefit of that, and I take it very seriously," said Snider, who distributed City of Tigard pins to the veterans present.

From there, numerous veterans — some who walked, some on crutches and others in wheelchairs — approached the podium to be wrapped in one of the colorful Quilts of Valor.