Quilts of Valor presents to area vets
Jun. 19—FERGUSON — Quilts of Valor were presented to three veterans on Saturday at Whippoorwill Academy and Village to Brian DeCann (Vietnam/Army), Jack Thompson (WWII/Army AirCorps), Ronnie Mack (Vietnam/Marine). A patriotic pattern quilted pillow was given to Glenda Johnson in memory of her late husband, Cotton Johnson who died from the result of exposure to Agent Orange and contaminated water at Fort Bragg.
Making the Quilts of Valor presentation was Kathy Heisler of Boone. Other awards were given by Gary Barlow (Vietnam/ Army). Eric Heisler (Marine/Vietnam) played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes. The poem "Young Fellow My Lad" by Robert William Service was read by Dick Martine (Vietnam/Army) and his wife, Margaret Carter Martine. Refreshments and music followed the program.
Quilter Kathy Heisler shared information about the beginnings of the program Quilts of Valor and the fact that over 348,000 quilts have been made for combat veterans. Each quilt is unique and each quilt has the name and information about each veteran who receives one.
It may be difficult for those who have no connection to those who served to understand the importance of saying "thank you," but ceremonies such as this one is emotional for the servicemen as well as their families. Wartime experiences do not vanish with passing years.
Whippoorwill Academy and Village is located in Ferguson and is a nonprofit educational village devoted to local history, the arts and agriculture. The late Edith Ferguson Carter founded the village. She taught school for decades in the Caldwell County School system and was active in various community and statewide organizations. The village is now under the direction of her daughter, Margaret Carter Martine. The village is open every third Saturday during the months of April- October from 1-5 p.m.
