This is not mine, it has developed from the input of guild members, quilters, Elaine, the experiences I have encountered on the Quilt of Valor journey and from the emotion that I carry with me as a Vietnam Veteran. The last two words are for all that I Award...for many like me they are being heard for the first time.
I am ask, often, Why do you QOV? It is a simple answer...Because I can.
QUILTS OF VALOR
The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a national organization
founded in 2003 by “Blue Star” mom Catherine Roberts. With a son deployed in Iraq, a ‘Gunner’
sitting atop a Humvee she felt “only ten seconds away from panic.” She had this
vision of a post deployed warrior struggling with his war demons at 2 in the
morning. She saw him sitting on the side of his bed wrapped in a quilt. The
quilt not only comforted him but warded off the demons. Thus the QOVF was
founded. The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission is to cover ALL combat
service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts
of Valor. Since its founding, Quilts of
Valor has awarded over 95,000 quilts to veterans of military actions,
conflicts and wars, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Beirut, Iraq
and Afghanistan.
Each Quilt of Valor is formed by loving hands joining bits of
fabric together one piece at a time. A
QOV may be fashioned by only one or two individuals or through the combined
efforts of many women and men of all skill levels. Quilters often join together in sewing bees
to create these quilts. As we quilt, we
talk about our families and friends and how grateful we are of those that will
be receiving what we call our “quilty” hug.
Now, through this quilt, you will become part of our quilting family.
We believe that as we sew the love, caring and gratitude flows
from our hearts and through our hands into the developing quilt. We all, as
quilters, want you to know that through our quilts you will be forever in our
hearts.
And so, on behalf of the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a
grateful Nation, with our deepest appreciation, thank you for your service to
our country with this Quilt of Valor Award.
Welcome Home…
I have been asked if I WANT a QOV. Much to my surprise, I would've thought the QOV would be a surprise gift or gesture and NOT a question. Yes, I served in a combat Zone, Danang 1969-70. It's like would you like a piece of candy? Really?? A 'Welcome Home' would have been nice. John Matthews
ReplyDelete