Ohio University Souther n ‘s , upcoming Veteran Tribute Ceremony on , Nov. 7, local veterans will be honored with more than words of thanks. They will be given Quilts of Valor, a hand-sewn expression of a deep respect for military assistance.
This year’s design,” Threads of Gratitude: A Quilts of Valor Celebration”, brings a personal and emotional feel to the service, replacing the traditional presentation speech with a mini-documentary that follows the local guild Material Hugs as they create quilts destined to cover veterans in both warmth and gratitude.
The guild, which consists of former and current Ohio University Southern university members, has been working diligently to ensure that the event, for which roughly ten Tri-State veterans may receive these unique quilts, is successful.
Dr.  , Martha Evans, Dr.  , Miki Crawford , and Dr.  , Kim Keffer , formed the Material Hugs quilting club after Keffer became involved with Quilts of Valor. Veterans across the nation have received more than 250, 000 quilts thanks to the federal charity organization. But for these women, sewing has a profoundly personal value.
” I got into this because my uncle is a World War II former”, says Keffer. When her uncle was nominated for a Quilt of Valor, Keffer wanted to give back to the organization. Instead of a payment, they asked her to create quilts.
” I loved making my first pillow, and I loved the laugh I got when I gave it”, she says. ” I was connected”.
This year’s festival will be more than a plain meeting. Veterans honored may get quilts made by Evans, Crawford, Keffer and others, each one featuring personal details including the soldier’s name, the day of donation, and the metaphorical red, white and blue patterns.
” These quilts are n’t just beautiful, they’re meant to hug the veterans and remind them of how deeply appreciated they are”, says Dr.  , Teresa McKenzie, coordinator of Veterans Services at Ohio University Southern. McKenzie helped arrange the occasion and worked with Electronic Media manufacturing assistant , Ernie Hall , to create the video that will be shown during the meeting.
The ceremony will take place at noon on , Nov. 7 , in the OUS Rotunda and will conclude with a reception, where attendees can meet and personally thank the veterans for their service.
The event is open to the public, and nominations for future Quilt of Valor recipients can be made through the national organization’s website.
Although this tribute is only one day, McKenzie makes it known that it is a significant component of the university’s tradition.
” Every year, we make it a priority to celebrate our veterans and ensure they know they’re valued. This year’s quilts make that message even more personal”.
For more information on Quilts of Valor or to nominate a veteran, visit the , Quilts of Valor Foundation , website.
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