Quilts of Valor Ceremony
Wed, 07/06/2022 - 6:06pm
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—Honoring veterans of all branches
By:
Marcie Klomp ~ News Editor tpdeditor@crescotimes.com
CRESCO - Ten Quilts of Valor were given to veterans at a ceremony during the Mighty Howard County Fair’s Scheidel Plaza on Saturday, June 25.
The event started with Nate Thorson giving the opening prayer. He then led the crowd in singing “The Star Bangled Banner” and reciting 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 quilters put into each quilt. “No government bureaucracy is involved in this,” he added.
Those receiving quilts included Harlan Hickle (U.S. Army), Martin Koudelka (U.S. Army), Joseph Pisney (U.S. Army), Andrew Pisney (U.S. Army), Patrick Assmus (U.S. Navy), Ray Swatek (U.S. Navy), Judy Stockand (U.S. Air Force), Robert Fett (National Guard), Tim Walton (U.S. Army-RVN) and Vern Hubka (U.S. Air Force).
If you know of anyone who has not received a Quilt of Valor, please contact Nate or Sandy Thorson, or the Times Plain Dealer at 563-547-3601, and staff will pass along the information.
