On Saturday, December 5th, the Quilts of Valor Foundation honored several local veterans during a program held at the New Glarus Home.

Quilts of Valor Team Leader gave a moving address, portions of which are reprinted below.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a non-profit grassroots group of quilters from all across the United States. In 2003, a quilter and blue star mother, Catherine Roberts from New Hampshire, had the idea of comforting veterans with quilts during the time her son was deployed in Iraq. Since then, over 130,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded here in the United States, Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. Our all-volunteer membership consists of over 10,000 quilters. The mission of our foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

The quilt brings a three-part message from their hearts. First, we honor you for your service to our country. We honor you for leaving all you hold dear and standing in harm's way in a time of crisis, protecting us from the effects of war.

Next, our quilters know that freedom is not free. The cost of our freedom is the dedication of lives of men and women like you, and this quilt is meant to say Thank You for your sacrifice.

And finally, this quilt is meant to offer comfort to you, and to remind you that although your family and friends were not with you at all times, you were forever in our thoughts and our hearts.

Our founder describes a Quilt of Valor as the civilian equivalent of a Purple Heart award. Our quilts are awarded, not just handed out like a magazine or a video. The quilt is awarded in a ceremony. This Quilt of Valor unequivocally says thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your valor in serving our nation. It is said that the highest award a civilian can bestow on a veteran is a Quilt of Valor.

Veterans, just as you are unique, each quilt is unique. There is no other quilt like yours. Your Quilt of Valor comes from the heart of a Wisconsin quilter. From the first fabric chosen and cut, to the final stitch sewn, she knew this quilt was being made to honor you – a veteran. Your name has been inscribed on this quilt so future generations will know what you have done for your country.

Quilts of Valor have three significant parts: The top layer, with its many colors, shapes and fabrics, represents the communities and the many individuals of our nation. Each stitch in the quilt represents the love, the gratitude and sometimes the tears of the maker. The batting is the center of the quilt – its warmth. It represents the hope that this quilt will bring you warmth, comfort, peace and healing. The backing is the strength. It holds the many pieces of the quilt together. It represents the strength of the Quilt of Valor recipients, strength of their families, strength of our communities and lastly, the strength of our nation.

The following local veterans were awarded Quilts of Valor at the program: Francis Beers, Robert Freitag, Melvin Fuchs, LaVerne Gillespie, James Hosking, Sam Hunt, Fred Kehrli, Roger Klassy, Del Kubly, James Landsverk, Gordon Larson, Fred Liegel, John Marty, Bob Meier, Delbert Ott, Bob Schwartz, Donald Smith, Robert Stillman, Butch Strickler, Alfred Ufken, Paul Vetterli, Herb Von Arx and Darrel Weber.

One year ago, the newly formed Sugar River Quilts of Valor Quilters set a goal to award every veteran at the New Glarus Home and Campus a Quilt of Valor. Due to the continuous sewing efforts of these quilters, that goal was met. Many members of the group attended the program. Additionally, one quilt was sewn by a local guild, the Sugar River Piece Makers. New Glarus resident Marilyn Mellenberger also sewed a quilt. The 2015-2016 New Glarus Dairy Queen, Ashley Judd, was also present to help wrap the veterans today.

Sue Moen

The Quilts of Valor is a 501(3)C, and tax-deductible donations can be made to Quilts of Valor Foundation and mailed to Vicki Sasso, W5272 Windmill Ridge Rd, New Glarus, WI 53574.