Many of the quilts displayed in the annual Independence Day quilt show in Vesta included a patriotic theme, and the Freedom Quilty Ladies presented 24 Quilts of Valor (QOV) to area veterans who served during times of conflict and war.
The Freedom Quilty Ladies has formed an entirely new group to head the QOV project, independent of any guild yet inclusive of anyone interested in participating.
It takes about 40 hours to make each quilt, from selecting a pattern to the finishing touches of hand sewing on a label with the veteran’s name, branch, service dates and location. But it is well-worth the effort.
“The men and women in our military who step forward to maintain that independence ensure our way of life,” a release from the group stated. “They give up their freedom, time at home with loved ones, make other sacrifices and ultimately have no guarantee of safety during their time of service.”
To veterans, the group added, “We are very grateful for all of you, for standing up for our freedoms and for preserving the wonderful way we live. Thank you very much for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our country.”
Jointly, under the banner of the Freedom Quilty Ladies, 12 area quilters (from a number of groups and guilds) contributed to the QOV project, including:
Evelyn Turman
Joann Ritter
Marge Morris
Mary Locke
Carol Gominiac
Marilyn Gearren
Dyan Handy
Pam Frazier
Leah Eckman
Evelyn Boyd
Suze Bailey
Peggy Agee
Two area businesses helped support the project: Quilted Colors on Main Street in Stuart and Sew Biz in Radford.
If you are a veteran or know of a veteran who served during a time of conflict who is interested in receiving a Quilt of Valor, call Evelyn Boyd at (276) 692-7341. To help with the project, contact Peggy Agee at (276) 692-8272. Work begins on next year’s projects in August.
