On Sunday, Nov. 2, there was a special awards ceremony at the David M. Mosher VFW Post 9599 in Jefferson. Six military veterans received recognition from Perry Piecemakers Quilts of Valor.
The ceremony began with leader Pat Mundy providing an explanation of the founder, Catherine Roberts, having a vivid dream in 2003 of a soldier in anguish that was lessened through an individualized handmade quilt.
She further explained that during the Revolutionary War George Washington’s troops were given blankets and comforters by volunteer mothers, grandmothers, and friends.
She went on to share that during the Civil War soldiers went off to war with bedrolls made by family members, and that quilts over fences or on clotheslines helped to direct run-away slaves to safety through the underground railroad.
She gave an overview of the quilt construction, emphasis on the backing (representative of the loved ones at home), the batting in the middle to provide warmth, the design on the top, and finally the numerous stitches representative of all the service members that make the quilt strong and lasting. To date this Perry Area Piecemakers/Quilts of Valor have created 200 quilts in three years, with 16 being awarded to Greene County veterans.
The individuals receiving quilts included Kathryn Dorsey, Army Reserve; Darwin Rice, Army; David Clopton, Air Force, Army and National Guard; Michael McKenzie and Marvin Kunce Navy; and Jack Bucklin, Marines.
Mundy reminded the veterans and those present that the Vietnam War became a time of serious polarization within the country and frequently those returning home were treated with severe disrespect and ill will. The Vietnam era veterans were given a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration Medal authorized by Congress and issued by the Department of Defense.
Leader Barb Hansen provided a short biography of each veteran’s service and then the quilt created for them was wrapped around their shoulders by the volunteers of the Perry Piecemakers/Quilts of Valor.
Hansen thanked the 60-plus family and friends for attending and asked those present to encourage veterans to complete a short request form/application for a quilt. The applications are available at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens Welcome Center, the Jefferson public library, the Stitch fabric shop, and at the VFW hall.
Refreshments were provided by the quilt makers, including Pat Mundy, Sharon Riley, Barb Hansen, Priscilla Stream, and Carol Eiteman. Cookies and soda were available while individual photos of the veterans with family members and friends were completed.
VIEW FROM MY WINDOW writer Mary Weaver was pleased this event was held as we think about the upcoming Veteran’s Day holiday. She also wants to express thanks to the veterans for their service to our country and to the quilters who created the Quilts of Valor.
