More than 4 years ago I was happy to be part of an award ceremony for Quilts of Valor, presenting quilts I made specifically for two great veterans: my husband and a long-time friend of ours. It was the first Award Ceremony by the local Quilts of Valor chapter, Liberty Piecemakers of Huntsville. To read about that occasion see this post: Quilts of Valor Award Ceremony
Recently I was honored to receive a QUILT OF VALOR. The Quilts of Valor organization began in 2003 with the of goal of providing veterans touched by war with the comfort of a quilt. As the QOV website says: "A Quilt of Valor unequivocally says thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation." Today any veteran is eligible to receive a Quilt of Valor.
The quilts are meant to be presented in a public forum, honoring the veteran for their service and recognizing when, how, and where they served.
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| From the front |
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| From the back |
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| All of us and women from the local QOV chapter, Liberty Piecemakers of Huntsville |
It was a cold and blustery day in early November. The quilts were awarded alphabetically and I was happy to be first:
In my brief remarks I said "The smartest thing I ever did was go to an interview with the USMC Officer Selection Officer my senior year of college. His first question was "What makes you think you are good enough to be in my Marine Corps?" I now know that is the EXACT right first question to ask anyone who thinks they want to be a Marine. It was 50 years ago I earned my Eagle, Globe and Anchor and it feels like yesterday.
I was later told my quilt had been made specifically for me by two dear friends. While the pattern may look simple, "nothing says Love like partial seams!"
April and Suzie hard at work on my quilt:
Veterans are now often told "Thank you for your service". I always felt odd about that and wasn't sure how to respond. Now I say "It was my honor to serve." Those were the greatest years of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Thank you to all who are currently serving our country. And to their families, they share the sacrifice too. I hope all veterans who want a Quilt of Valor will receive one.
Thank you to the Liberty Piecemakers of Huntsville for this wonderful gift. I will cherish it always.
Barbara
Congrats on receiving your quilt! I received mine 3 years ago and it is cherished. I'm also part of our local QOV group that meets monthly for workshops. We do several presentations during the year, and it's always an honor to wrap another vet.
ReplyDeleteHere in Michigan we have Miracle Quilts. Named after a soldier, Joe Miracle, that died in Afghanistan . He was very young. I sewed for Miracle Quilts for 15 years and made 101 quilts of various sizes, .Our goup sent many boxes over to Germany to the hospital there. I am very proud to have been able to help.
ReplyDeleteMy husband used to feel funny when anyone said, "Thank you for your service." Now he responds with, "You were worth it." Congratulations on your quilt and yes, thank you for your service.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good answer too.
DeleteI know what you mean about how to respond. I feel the same way too. I entered through the Army Student Nurse program in 1971. I then stayed for 17 years. I had experiences that I never would have had being a civilian nurse. I like your It was my honor to serve.
ReplyDeleteA well-earned honor, Barbara. And I love the saying about the partial seams. Nothing simple about that quilt. The pattern is soothing, and the colors are saturated. It is lovely!
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