By JONATHAN SNYDER
A tight-knit community was on display as the Bee Happy Quilters club hosted their annual Veteran’s Day quilt presentation on Thursday, Nov. 9.
Over 20 veterans, representing four of the five military branches, arrived with their families to receive quilts made by the ladies of the Bee Happy Quilters club. Each quilt showcased a plethora of patriotism, from depictions of the American flag to beautiful images of paratroopers in a sunset background.
The tradition started after 9/11, but the official presentation event has happened for five years.
The quilting clubs in Decatur and Bluffton each make quilts and give them out in both communities. Carol Riley, one of the quilters and the head speaker at the event, estimated they have given out over 300 quilts since the tradition began.
The women get in contact with the veterans through word of mouth, contacting veterans groups and connecting with other quilting clubs. Two clubs in Berne and Decatur assisted in contacting veterans and ensuring they got quilts.
“If I’m in a parking lot and I see a veteran’s hat, I come to them and ask them if they’ve had a quilt,” Sue Harris, one of the quilters said. “We are not bashful,” she quipped.
According to Riley, each quilt takes around 20-30 hours to make. Each block of fabric used takes as long as a half hour, with multiple blocks making a whole quilt. The cost of materials could range from $100-200 per quilt.
Along with the quilts, the club also honored Vietnam veterans with a lapel pin and a book by the American Legion describing the Vietnam War.
As Riley and Harris handed out each quilt, every veteran stood tall and accepted both the quilts and affirmation from the women, “You are a true American hero.”
Some veterans relayed stories of combat duty and the draft as a quilt was draped over their shoulders. Many stayed long after the ceremony was over to continue the camaraderie.
John Senac, who served as a scout dog handler in Vietnam in 1970, told stories about his dog, Diablo. He reveled in the heroism shown by Diablo, as the dog would detect enemy forces and traps to warn the troops behind them of an ambush.
“I think what these ladies do to honor veterans is worth its weight in gold,” said Senac. “I love seeing people care. Events like this matter to us.”
Senac attended the event after a discussion with his neighbor, who made Senac’s quilt.
“These ladies love to quilt, and they love to give them away,” Sue Harris, one of the quilters, said. “We just want to appreciate our veterans, so we want to give them one.”
As the camaraderie continued long after the ceremony ended, the health of the community toward its veterans was on full display. Even through their struggles in war, the veterans present appreciated the outpouring from everyone.
Ron Graft, who served in the Army, gave insight into the mindset of the veterans there. “Life is about what you make of it, not what you take from it.”
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