Sheri Nockels
The SaddleBrooke Friday Quilters held what is probably the most patriotic day ever in SaddleBrooke! As a member of the National Quilt of Valor Foundation, it was our privilege to honor 19 veterans with quilts for their dedication and service to our country. This was a first for our club. We normally present 10 quilts a year. Due to the number of quilts presented, we conducted a morning and afternoon ceremony at the Activity Center. Both started with socializing with veterans and their guests before the official ceremonies began with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kris Prass, Quilts of Valor co-committee chair, opened both ceremonies, explaining the three layers of a quilt and how they relate to veterans’ sacrifices. The top layer represents community; the middle layer gives comfort, peace, and healing; and the third layer represents the strength of the recipient, community, and the nation. Each veteran was called up individually to receive their quilt. It was obvious that all were grateful to be remembered for their loyalty and sacrifices.
Special thanks to the University of Arizona Cadet Color Guard and the American Legion for posting and retiring the colors. Thanks also to Gene Wickey and Jim Seppala, Oro Valley American Legion chaplain, who led us in prayer.
Refreshments followed both ceremonies, providing an additional opportunity for everyone to meet and greet the veterans and their families and friends.
To date, the National Quilt of Valor Foundation has presented more than 357,000 quilts nationwide since its inception 20 years ago. If you want to nominate a veteran to receive a quilt, contact either Co-Chair Kris Prass at [email protected] or Karen Pearce at [email protected].