PHOTOS BY ANGELINA DELLA ROCCO/PLAINSMAN
Veterans who were presented with Quilts of Valor Saturday morning at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church include, back row, from left, Ralph Bich, Lyman Bich, Gunner Baatrup and Keith Pageler, while in the front row are Lyle Lips, Rance Perleberg and Larry Zaeskey. Not pictured is veteran Ray Barnes.
In the next photo, Sheryl Kloss and Doris Knudson honor Rance Perleberg with a Quilt of Valor Saturday morning.
And next, attendees of the Quilts of Valor presentations hear experiences of Ralph Bich.
Posted
Angelina Della Rocco of the Plainsman
HURON — In the spirit of Veterans Day, the Huron Area Quilters Guild (HAQG) honored eight local veterans by presenting each with handmade “Quilts of Valor,” Saturday morning at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.
Each honoree was invited up to the podium to share their story, as friends and family had the opportunity to hear the experiences had by loved ones while serving in the military.
“The joy of having this program, besides saying thank you to our veterans, is being able to hear all these stories,” said HAQG member Judy Batholow.
Members of the HAQG introduced the veterans to come up one by one, as Lyle Lips was invited up by Sheryl Kloss to begin the program. Keith Pageler was introduced by Sandy Kissner, Phyllis Rank opened the mic for Rance Perleberg, while Loretta McDonald announced veteran Ray Barnes, who was unable to attend however will receive his quilt in the coming week. Veterans Larry Zaeskey, Lyman Bich, Ralph Bich and Gunner Baatrup were introduced by Doris Knudson, Marlys Abbondondolo, Carolyn Metter and Bartholow.
Much happiness and appreciation was shown during the presentations, with thanks to the veterans who served the country, plus those who attended and continue to support the Quilts of Valor project in Huron.
“There are two quilts already done for next year, except for the labels,” President of HAQG Kissner explained. “We try to keep a little bit ahead.”
HAQG also work together twice a month to produce quilts that can be donated to other community needs such as the Jan Manolis Family Safe Center, local hospitals and more.
Those who would like to refer a veteran to receive a quilt at next years program, or for information about the guild and work they do to benefit the community, may contact Kissner at 352-1587.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation have awarded 234,519 quilts nation wide since 2003 when the program was established according to www.qovf.org.