Quilts of Valor Ceremony

CRESCO - Twenty Quilts of Valor were given to veterans at the ceremony on Aug. 21 during Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest. It took place in the Harvest Tent, which was a blessing with the overcast skies.

The event started with Nate Thorson giving the opening prayer. Jayne Jensen led the crowd in singing “The Star Bangled Banner,” and Howie Hanson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sandy Thorson told everyone the meaning of the Quilt of Valor. “A Quilt of Valor is not a charity quilt. A Quilt of Valor is not a blanket. It is a quilt consisting of three layers.” She explained the top of the quilt,with its many colors, shapes and fabrics represents the communities and the many individuals that it makes up. “Each stitch in the quilt represents the love, gratitude and sometimes tears of the maker.”

The batting represents warmth, comfort, peace and healing, and the backing is the strength.

“A Quilt of Valor is priceless. It can never be bought. It should never be sold, it is not a birthday gift or present in any form. It is an award to honor those who have served and comes from the heart of the makers and their community.”

Since the program began in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, the mother of a deployed soldier, over 220,000 have been given to soldiers and veterans.

Sandy concluded by telling those receiving the quilts, “May your Quilt of Valor be a healing and a comfort to each of you when you need it and a continual reminder that we honor and thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

Nate then told the crowd how much time and energy the “Quilter Babes” put into each quilt. “The only cost for one of these quilts is a hug,” he added. 

Those receiving quilts included Donald Andera (U.S. Army), Marvin Andera (U.S. Marine Corps), John Barnes (U.S. Navy), Jette Berken (U.S. Army), Richard Curtis (U.S. Army), Steve Foote (U.S. Air Force), Rodney Freidhof (U.S. Marine Corps), Benjamin Gorter (U.S. Army), Leroy Haugland (U.S. Army-retired), Dean Hubka (U.S. Air Force), David Kovarik (U.S. Army-retired), Henry Kuennen (U.S. Navy), Gary Langreck (U.S. Air Force), Paul Larson (U.S. Army), Gary Murray (U.S. Army), Gordon Pecinovsky (U.S. Navy), Tony Sanchez (U.S. Army), Peter Sanford (U.S. Marine Corps), Richard Schorr (U.S. Army) and Kenneth Solomon (U.S. Air Force).