NORTH LOGAN – Five local women veterans were honored for their military service and sacrifice during a Quilts of Valor ceremony Monday, Oct. 12 hosted by the Rocky Mountain Veterans Center and the Linda and Terry Messmer Family Foundation.
The veterans received quilts crafted by local quilters as a symbol of appreciation, comfort and healing for their service to the nation.
This year’s recipients were Sheri Nielson, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1982 to 1990; Patricia Gordon, U.S. Army, 1983-94; Jena Sanders, U.S. Army, 1983-1987; Eve Weber, U.S. Air Force, 1992-98; and, Isabella Leno, U.S. Navy, 2000-2002.
“Each quilt in material alone costs over $400,” Terry Messmer said. “That does not include the time sewing, etc., which can take several weeks.”
The Quilts of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts. Its mission is to cover service members and veterans with comforting and healing quilts as a way to thank them for their service and sacrifice.
“It’s a pretty phenomenal effort to provide veterans with not only a heartfelt thank you for their service but healing comfort,” Messmer said. “We think it shows the commitment of Cache Valley to honor those who have served.”
The foundation has awarded more than 430,000 quilts nationwide. Each quilt must meet specific requirements for size and color to qualify as a Quilt of Valor. Quilts also must include a label identifying the recipient, the award date and the quiltmaker.
Although all veterans deserve recognition for their service, the foundation awards quilts only to living veterans, honoring their sacrifices while they are still here to receive the recognition.
Quilt of Valor ceremonies can take place in a variety of settings, including private homes, nursing homes and public venues, allowing communities to recognize veterans in ways that are meaningful to them.
Through the work of volunteer quilters and local organizations, the Quilts of Valor program offers veterans a tangible reminder that their service and sacrifices are appreciated by the communities they serve.