Gifts of quilts go to honor veterans

Oct. 31—IRONTON — Ohio University Southern will host its annual veteran recognition event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the rotunda, with a reception to follow.

With the theme of "Threads of Gratitude: A Quilts of Valor Celebration," the event will include a mini-documentary, prepared by McKenzie and Electronic Media Production Assistant Ernie Hall, which follows Dr. Martha Evans, Dr. Mikki Crawford and Dr. Kim Keffer, members of the quilting guild Material Hugs, and the stories of Quilts of Valor.

The celebration will honor 10 local veterans from various backgrounds, representing different wars and campaigns. Each veteran will receive a quilt crafted by Material Hugs members. These quilts, according to Dr. Teresa McKenzie, coordinator of Veterans Services at OUS, are meant to "hug" the veterans and provide them with a tangible symbol of gratitude. Each quilt will come with a statement listing the veteran's name, the date it was donated and other meaningful details.

"Family members can ask to nominate them," McKenzie said. "Veterans can say, 'I'd like a quilt.' You can only get one quilt in a lifetime. Veterans who are deceased, their family members can't ask for a quilt because it goes to living veterans."

While the primary focus is on veterans from World War I, World War II, Vietnam and Korea, Material Hugs aims to recognize all veterans.

McKenzie mentioned they limit this program to about 10 veterans.

Traditionally, the university creates a military and veterans tribute wall in the Bowman lobby, where students, faculty, staff and the community can submit pictures of their veteran family members.

To nominate a veteran, visit https://www.qovf.org/nominations-awards/. One may also request a quilt on the website.

(606) 326-2661 — lward@dailyindependent.com