4th Annual QOV Quilters' & Friends' Barbecue, September 1, 2014

I started this barbecue for years ago as a way to meet new quilters and to get to know the ones I had met during the year just a bit better.   This is the first year QOV was added to the title. Two years ago Sue, my dear friend and fellow QOV quilter, joined me as another hostess for this yearly gathering. We thought this is a way to thank the Quilters, their families, and our friends for their generous support of the Quilt of Valor project and to include the non-quilting people of the families as oft times we quilters are off to this sew day or that retreat. 

As we did last year, a Quilt of Valor was presented, this year to a retired Air Force officer, however, keeping the identity of the recipent a secretfrom all.  Janice served in Desert Storm. As the 40 or 50 guests gathered around to hear about the person receiving the quilt I glanced at Janice every once in a while. She thought the quilt was for someone else never suspecting that she was being honored for her selfless service. She kept glancing over at a Navy Seabee sitting at the far end of the deck who served in Vietnam Nam. When her name was called she was dumbfounded, so shocked she was speechless and had to be given support by her husband, another Vietnam vet, to stand.  Incidentally, her husband, Sonny, crafted her QOV.

As I looked around at all the guests it occurred to me that we had several veterans present so I asked all those who were veterans to raise their hands.  The number of hands took us all by surprise. At that moment spontaneous applause broke out and a standing ovation was given to all these veterans; there were more than even I suspected. It was a very emotional and moving scene.  

As a result of this tribute and showing of support to the vets by everyone I was very surprise to receive this card, especially when it was written by Laurie's husband.  I received the card in the mail yesterday and would like to share it with anyone who reads this. It says:

Dear Bobbie, Hi. 

Laurine and I want to thank you so much for having us at your home for the 4th Quilt of Valor BBQ. You have no idea how it feels, after being cursed and spit on "1966," to have your fellow Americans say, "We appreciate your service" now.
 
After  discharge in '66 I threw all of my military gear, ribbons and in the trash and never looked back.   Now I feel just maybe it was worth the effort and commitment.  

Again, Thank You For All You Do!

Lairine & Ray R., CPL USMC 

"Semper Fi"

Really though, it should come of no surprise that the "nation" of quilters have veterans in their families.  All of us have our reasons for Quilting for Valor. When I am asked why I do this, I say, "This is what I do." 

I share this because it is what we do.