Earlier this month I traveled to Paducah, Kentucky, for a very special Quilts of Valor® award ceremony at the National Quilt Museum. As one of the quilters who had a quilt in the Quilts of Valor Foundation's exhibit, "Countdown to America's 250th Anniversary," I was invited to award my quilt to an area service member. My quilt was one of 12 in the exhibit made by quilters all over the United States.
I was lucky to be chosen and make the quilt, “Don’t Fence Me In,” a quilt that features floating sawtooth stars and rail fence blocks. All the designs were created by my talented QOVF friend, Nancy Cann, who designs patterns for the QOVF website. The fabrics used in all quilts was from a special line designed by Nortcott in partnership with QOVF to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary. It was an honor to be part of this wonderful group of quilt makers and have a quilt in the NQM!
But the best part of the whole experience was awarding the quilts to area veterans and active duty service members from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Earlier that day, I got to pick the recipient of my quilt. I randomly chose an active duty service member in the Army because of family member that have served in the Army. I was warned that the ceremony can be even more emotional when the recipient meets the quilt maker. This was very true of our ceremony.
Nancy led our ceremony and shared about how each layer of the quilt was made with care and meaning. She shared how each quilt maker thought about who would receive their quilt and their hope that the quilt could comfort the recipient. Nancy emphasized how each quilt was made especially for each recipient.
This was true for the quilt I made and the service member who was awarded the quilt. The recipient was very touched by the quilt and found even more personal meaning in his quilt. The center blocks of the quilt featured a fabric print with postage stamps with the faces of our Founding Fathers. The young man’s grandfather had passed away a few months ago and collected stamps. This quilt was truly made for this young man even though neither of us knew each other or had not met before.
I truly believe quilts find who they are made for, and it was especially true in this moment. I was honored to make this quilt, be a part of this exhibit and special ceremony, and meet the service member this quilt was made for.
I believe that regardless of our personal and political beliefs we can support those who have served, are currently serving, and their families. Their sacrifices ensure our freedom and making a quilt is a small way to say thanks. I am grateful to continue my work with QOVF as a volunteer these days after serving as QOVF’s Executive Director from 2021-2023.
Quilts of Valor are created and given to provide comfort and healing to those who have served. Over 430,000 QOV’s have been awarded as of the end of 2025. QOVF has over 11,000 members who make and award over 30,000 quilts a year. If you know an active duty service member or veteran who would benefit from a Quilt of Valor, please nominate them at QOVF's website here.
For more info about the exhibit, you can visit the National Quilt Museum's site here.