I can't believe I forgot my camera (yes, I can--as my mom says, it's a family affliction), but I did. Today Dan and I drove my parents to a Quilts of Valor presentation where Dad was one of twenty veterans to receive a special quilt. Dad's is beautiful, all done in red, white and blue log cabin blocks surrounding a center panel with an eagle. It's very fitting as he was a member of the 101st Airborne, known as the Screaming Eagles. Dad's quilt was made by a lady who worked for him many years ago and he's always had a special place in her heart, so it was doubly special for both of them.
The program was short and sweet, with emphasis on giving the quilts to the veterans. They started with WWII veterans, and Dad was the first up. They show the quilt and then there is a "Hug Line" composed of ladies who made the quilts. I wasn't sure how Dad would react to this, but he headed down that line and gave each of those ladies a big hug and received one in return, and there were at least a dozen of them, probably closer to fifteen or sixteen. It was fun to watch. (I still can't believe I forgot my camera!!!)
When all the presentations had been made, and they included quilts for some veterans who have just returned home, there were refreshments and I'm here to tell you it was a cookie lover's (Dad!) dream. It was at an American Legion hall, so I don't know if they were responsible or if the quilt ladies did it, but they did themselves proud.
We took Mom and Dad home and spread his new quilt out on the sofa to admire it. There's a huge machine embroidered label on the back (probably 8 1/2 by 11") with Dad's name, his dates of service, branch, etc., and the names of the ladies who pieced and quilted it. As Mom said, it's a family heirloom.
What a wonderful way to celebrate Veteran's Day.
Thanks for this post, even though you had no photo. Your word picture was great and I used my imagination to visualize.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm. Quilting for vets is a great idea. I'm trying to think how they can top this celebration next year!
I have finally concluded that I should just take my camera everywhere. Then I'm less apt to forget it. (LOL)
Thanks, Kathy. I'm glad you were able to visualize! :-)
DeleteDan reminded me that the daughter of the lady who made it was taking pictures throughout the presentations, so I'm going to see if I can contact her and perhaps get a picture of Dad.
I think the hope of the ladies was that they would be able to give out even more quilts next year. QOV is a nationwide program and this guild just started making the quilts last year. They said they've given out sixty now and that the last presentation was Memorial Day.
As to the camera, Dan has a point and shoot as well as a fancy Nikon for his business, so we stuck the little one in the console of the Explorer today in hopes of avoiding the dread affliction in the future.
Tell your dad that we thank him for his service. I love the idea that our "older Vets" are being honored! I have a son in the military now and my husband is retired from it. We can't thank them enough. Maybe at a later date you can take a picture of the quilt and post!!
ReplyDeleteKathy, I'll pass your thanks on to Dad. And please give our thanks to your husband and son! Your family has certainly contributed to our country. And you're right--we can't thank them enough. I pray for your son's safety.
DeleteThanks for visiting--and happy Thanksgiving!
My cell phone has a camera and that comes in handy from time to time. I hope we do get to see a photo of the quilt in the future. Your Mom and Dad both seem very sweet. I'm glad he fared well in the hug line.
ReplyDeleteThere are times I wish I *did* have a cell phone! I called the lady whose daughter was taking pictures and she said she'd see what she could find. Meanwhile, I'll try to remember to take my camera down on Thanksgiving and get one of him with it.
Delete