I’d noticed photos in newspapers of men receiving Honor Quilts for their military service. A ceremony was usually done as part of an American Legion meeting.
My husband Guy, an Air Force Vietnam veteran, is a member of the Legion, but not of a local post, so I didn’t suppose he’d ever received one of these special keepsakes.
Judy Schild was my roommate in college. Guy and I were in Judy and John Schild’s wedding, and they were in ours about six months later. Judy has quilted for years but I didn’t realize she is also a representative for the Quilts of Valor Foundation.
According to their website, a Quilt of Valor® (QOV) is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
Also: To use the term Quilt of Valor, Quilts of Valor or QOV, the quilt must be a specific size, must have a label with required information, it must be awarded (it is not a gift) and it must be recorded.
Judy asked whether Guy had been awarded one, and he hadn’t, so she was delighted to be the one to make it happen.
This is such a wonderful keepsake, especially because Vietnam veterans were not welcomed home warmly.
