Quilts of Valor presented

IOLA – The annual presentation of Quilts of Valor took place on Nov. 3, where local veterans are honored with handcrafted quilts as a thank you for their service.
The quilts are made by Norske Needlers of Iola, who organizes the yearly event.
The veterans honored this year are Richard Carper, Iola; Michael Richberg, Iola; Teckla Whittaker, Scandinavia; and Travis Weschl, Ogdensburg.
This project of making quilts and giving them to veterans began at the national level in 2003 as a way of honoring veterans for their service.
Gloria Lamkins, a member of the Norske Needlers, spearheaded the project calling it Quilts of Valor.

They are given with the intention of sending the message of honor, freedom and comfort.
The top layer of the quilts many colors, shapes and fabrics represents the many individuals and communities. The middle layer of batting represents the hope that this quilt will bring warmth, comfort and peace to the recipients. The bottom layer represents the strength of the recipients and support of their families, communities and our nation.
The group thanks those who participated in making the quilts by sewing or quilting, also those who helped through donations was sent out by the quilting group.
The quilts were sent home with the recipients with pillowcases as well, the Norske Needlers also extended a thank you to the maker of those pillowcases.
The ceremony took place at the Village of Iola Town Hall, 170 Depot Street, with not only the Norske Needlers and veterans present, but also with an audience made up of local community members and families.