DOINews: BLM-Oregon: Quilts of Valor: Service and Sacrifices

One had a bald eagle at its center, most had the Stars and Stripes, but all of the quilts had the same message written on the tag: "Thank you for your service and sacrifices."



A recipient of a Quilt of Valor proudly displays the hand stitched label that reads "Quilt of Valor, Quilting Honor and Comfort, Thank you for your service and sacrifices." Photo by BLM.


More than 110,000 Quilts of Valor have been given to military veterans since the nonprofit effort began in 2003; and in November, seven BLM Oregon staffers touched by war received the custom gift of quilts made by volunteers giving back.


Barbara Young, a BLM contract specialist who served in the Air Force as a Morse code operator, said it was hard to describe her feelings when the quilt was draped over her shoulders.


"Comforting, welcoming – you feel like you're being taken care of, like you did a good job," said Young.



The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Photo by BLM.


At the small, unassuming presentation ceremony, volunteers Shelly York (recently retired from BLM) and Barbara Haide (recently retired from Forest Service) explained why they make the triple-layered quilts.

BLM employees receive Quilts of Valor, each quilt as unique as the individual receiving one. Photo by BLM.


Despite surviving World War II as a Navy pilot, Haide's father died in an accident when she was very young and making the quilts is one way for her to remember him.


"When I make a quilt of valor, I feel like I'm honoring his memory and there's a piece of him and a piece of me in all these quilts," Haide said.


Young, who said she loves her beautiful quilt, displays hers on her couch at home in an effort to share it with everyone.


"It's very special to me," she said.

By: BLM-Oregon

Dec. 30, 2014

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