Quilts of Valor Presentation on Memorial Weekend

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis (WFHR, WIRI) – The Lincoln High School Band welcomed people as they entered the East Junior High School Fieldhouse for the Quilts of Valor Presentation on May 25th. They played military and patriotic music as well over 100 people found their seats in preparation for the event. Forty-five women veterans sat facing the crowd of people that buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The Material Girls of Wisconsin Rapids had a line of tables placed behind the veterans. All the quilts were folded and ready for the honorary wrapping of each veteran as the quilts are awarded.

Order of Ceremony

Bill Haack welcomed the crowd as Master of Ceremony. He worked on the planning and organization of this event over the past year. His coordination with the Material Girls Quilting Club made this all-female Quilts of Valor ceremony possible. Following his welcome, the Lincoln High School Band played a special number called Armed Forces Salute. The arrangement by Bob Lowden pays tribute to veterans and their families. It moves through a song from each branch of the military. As the band played their branch, veterans and family members were invited to stand up and be recognized.

Presentation of Colors

The invocation given by Deacon Tom Anderson preceded member organizations of the South Wood County Allied Veterans Council presenting the colors. The singing group, Aspiring Acapella consists of four women. They sang the National Anthem while the crowd and honored guests stood with respect.

Quilts of Valor History and Presentation

Karen Demaree is the Wisconsin State Coordinator for Quilts of Valor. She gave a history of the foundation and shared the story of how it all started with one woman’s dream. Joni Wolf of the Material Girls had the honor of reading each veteran’s name and the history of their service. Members from the Material Girls brought each unique quilt up and displayed it before wrapping the veteran in the quilt. Kathy Murphy spoke with me after the ceremony. She said it’s a good feeling when the service is completed. They interview all the veterans before the event so they can read their history before presenting the Quilt of Valor.

The Honor of Receiving a Quilt of Valor

Tina Maciejewski served in the Air Force from 1988 to 2008. She received a Quilt of Valor at the ceremony for her service to our country. She spoke with me at the cookout at VFW Post #2534 following the presentation. Tina said it’s an honor to receive a quilt and it was wonderful to see so many fellow female veterans honored at this special event.