13 Quilts of Valor presented on Veterans Day
Quilters and members of The Pickett Fence Patriotic Piecers honored 13 local veterans Sunday, Nov. 11, by awarding them Quilts of Valor and a “thank you” for their service. The ceremony at The Pickett Fence in Prairie du Chien was one of several hosted by the Northeast Iowa Quilters Guild in recent weeks.
The NEIQG follows the Quilts of Valor Foundation mission, which is “to cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”
Surrounded by about 40 family members and friends, the 13 local veterans received their quilts on a very fitting Veterans Day. Recipients included Steve DuCharme, John Howe, Paul Manders, C.R. Baker, Wendi Baker, Buzz Esser, Paul Ginkel, Edward Strand, Joe Prew, Butch Pedretti, Olin Anderson, Rick Brown and Gayle Hillman.
Edward Strand, a Vietnam vet, shared with the group a photo of his namesake, grandfather Edward, a WWI veteran.
Since Oct. 7, the quilters guild has presented an additional 11 Quilts of Valor to northeast Iowa veterans at formal ceremonies, dinners and at their homes.
The Patriotic Piecers meet once a month, usually the first Friday, at The Pickett Fence to work on quilts. Donations are welcome. Some of the local quilters who construct the quilts include leader Sue Lynch, Maureen Wentz-Walters, Mardell Winter, Loretta Manders, Wendy Gibbs, Bonnie Parks, Pat Meeter, Arlis Myhre and Judy Schild.