Veterans receive quilts at fair celebration
Veterans from WWII to Desert Storm — 56 in all — received quilts at the first Honoring Our Patriots Service at the Wayne County Fair on Thursday, Sept. 16.
Veterans from WWII to Desert Storm — 56 in all — received quilts at the first Honoring Our Patriots Service at the Wayne County Fair on Thursday, Sept. 16. This program was initiated by Jeri Fickes of the Tree City Quilters' Guild as a way to distribute the Quilts of Valor the organization had made for a display at their quilt show. That event was canceled last year due to COVID-19, but the numbers of quilts kept growing.
Keynote speaker Dan Lutz encouraged veterans to have each other's backs and to watch out for each other, just as soldiers do in foxholes. This was said behind a “bunker” of quilts to be distributed. The 555th Honors Detachment presented the colors, and Russ and Carole Norris led singing of the Armed Forces Medley, ending the program with “I'm Proud To Be an American” by Lee Greenwood.
Bob Romig, president of the veterans commission and master of ceremonies for the event, closed the program with a “welcome home” to the Vietnam veterans who didn't receive a warm welcome home at the time. Quilts were distributed by the Tree City Quilters' Guild members.
“I hope it continues and gets bigger every year,” Fickes said.
The fair board has added a category to the fair book to include quilts, afghans and comforters that can be donated by the community, by 4-H clubs and with continued support of the Tree City Guild.
“We really hope that the community gets involved in this effort by donating quilts and attending this annual event at the fair,” said Vicky Hartzler, a member of the HOPS committee. “There is plenty of time to start working on quilts for next year's program. The guild members really stepped up to make the quilts this year, and Susan Bateman quilted 34 of them herself for this event. What a commitment to our veterans.”
The fair board plans to find a larger space for future ceremonies, as it was standing room only with many standing in the sun for the program. Greg Long, veteran and quilt recipient, plans to keep his quilt wrapped in its ribbon with the other valuable mementos of his service. He was very moved by the program and plans to help with the program in the future by assisting in contacting veterans who would like to be involved.
To suggest a veteran to receive a quilt next year, call Dorrie Miller at 330-466-5180 with the name, phone and email and their permission and willingness to be a part of this event in 2022. The quilt guild joined with the fair board and the veterans service commission to form a community committee to accomplish this event.