On this Veteran’s day, we were privileged to present 15 quilts to veterans
nominated from among the family and friends of the Montavilla Sewing Center in
NW Oregon. These veterans represent the Army, Air force and Marines and served
this country in the Second World War, Vietnam, Korea, Desert Storm, Afghanistan
and Iraq. Some are still serving today.
As the honored guests arrived, they were greeted and escorted to their seats by Cub Scouts. Pride in the service to others was reflected in the faces of the Cub Scouts as their Honor Guard presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The honorees and guests were welcomed by Norman McKeague-Foster. He extended a heartfelt thank you to all veterans present, offering examples of the sacrifices and accomplishments of American servicemen and women.
The Quilts of Valor were then awarded by Brett Moore. As each veteran’s name was called, they came forward to be presented with their quilt. A grandfather was presented with a quilt pieced by his grandchildren and a veteran who thought he had come to simply observe, was surprised to find himself a recipient. One veteran shared, with a QOV member, that this was the first time he had been thanked for his service. He said that he could now put unpleasant memories behind him and move forward.
Each veteran stood for a moment wrapped in their quilt, wrapped in the honor, respect and gratitude they had earned. Each was approached by a Cub Scout who shook their hands and thanked them, once again, for their service.
For some of the veterans, this event was their first thank you. For some, this was their homecoming, their new beginning. This event could not change the past, but it could be the start of a new journey.
While words could not adequately express our gratitude, we offered these quilts to speak for us. For when the ceremony is over, it is our wish that these quilts will be lasting symbols of our respect and gratitude.
The colors were retrieved and refreshments were served. This was one more opportunity for the privilege of personally thanking our veterans on this very special day.
I want to thank Regina for writing this event recap to give everyone a glimpse of our Veteran’s Day Quilts of Valor, and thanks to every one on the MQOV team for working so hard to make these QOV awards happen.
To each Veteran ~ Thank you for your service! This was a night to remember... and a memory to last a lifetime!
Enjoy the pictures ..
Debbie
As the honored guests arrived, they were greeted and escorted to their seats by Cub Scouts. Pride in the service to others was reflected in the faces of the Cub Scouts as their Honor Guard presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The honorees and guests were welcomed by Norman McKeague-Foster. He extended a heartfelt thank you to all veterans present, offering examples of the sacrifices and accomplishments of American servicemen and women.
The Quilts of Valor were then awarded by Brett Moore. As each veteran’s name was called, they came forward to be presented with their quilt. A grandfather was presented with a quilt pieced by his grandchildren and a veteran who thought he had come to simply observe, was surprised to find himself a recipient. One veteran shared, with a QOV member, that this was the first time he had been thanked for his service. He said that he could now put unpleasant memories behind him and move forward.
Each veteran stood for a moment wrapped in their quilt, wrapped in the honor, respect and gratitude they had earned. Each was approached by a Cub Scout who shook their hands and thanked them, once again, for their service.
For some of the veterans, this event was their first thank you. For some, this was their homecoming, their new beginning. This event could not change the past, but it could be the start of a new journey.
The colors were retrieved and refreshments were served. This was one more opportunity for the privilege of personally thanking our veterans on this very special day.
I want to thank Regina for writing this event recap to give everyone a glimpse of our Veteran’s Day Quilts of Valor, and thanks to every one on the MQOV team for working so hard to make these QOV awards happen.
To each Veteran ~ Thank you for your service! This was a night to remember... and a memory to last a lifetime!
Enjoy the pictures ..
Debbie
Debbie
Turner
SWWA/NWOR Regional
Coordinator
Alycia, thank you for posting this presentation. This was my first QOV presentation and it was such an honor to be involved. I just started quilting this summer and Debbie and Judy have been great encouragers (as well as other volunteers). Your blog has been great inspiration. Thanks for all your sharing!
ReplyDeleteDebi Koberstein (Gladstone, OR)