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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Washington County Fair Quilts of Valor Presentation recognizes 12 Veterans
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Members from Washington County 4-H recognized Veterans on July 18 at the Washington County Fair for the second year for a Quilts of Valor Presentation and Veteran Recognition. During this presentation 12 Veterans were awarded with their own handmade patriotic quilt registered as a Quilt of Valor though the national Quilts of Valor foundation. In June a special Quilt Camp was hosted by Washington County 4-H and led by Brenna Goode with several quilting volunteers as adult mentors. Participants learned how to piece a quilt top and also complete the binding. Ten youth participated in the weeklong camp to make their own quilt. These quilts were completed for county fair and on display in Dallmeyer Hall during the fair.
Each youth participant selected a Veteran or were paired with one to receive the quilts. For many of the youth participating, this was their very first time designing and sewing a quilt. Youth were able to meet with their Veterans before the ceremony to show the complete quilts, get to know each other a bit, and take pictures.
Amy Green, Washington County 4-H and Youth Coordinator, was excited to present this vision to the Wellman Quilting Guild two years ago as a dream and then the right combination of volunteers, donations, and youth made it reality. “We are proud of these youth wanting to recognize and honor Veterans in this way. It was a special ceremony, I think, we all will remember,” said Green.
Ruby Greiner started the ceremony with the National Anthem, a few words were shared by 4-H’er Caedyn Huston who has a passion for military history and has had several war history projects selected for the Iowa State Fair, Brenna Goode thanked volunteers and sponsors, and each Veteran was then recognized with a summary of their service and then were wrapped in love by their quilt. The ceremony concluded with trumpet solo by John Harris performing “Taps.”
Washington County 4-H hopes to continue this tradition. For more information on how to support this project financially or as a volunteer, contact amygreen@iastate.edu or the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811.
