Graduations

I attended another military graduation today, and my mind is still filled with the good feelings, and my heart says get to the table and sew, and my body is tired.... A great combination and feeling.

First off - THANKs to ALL of you who participate in Quilts of Valor in any way. I can not tell you the joy, the gratitude, and the thanksulness of the vets who recieve these quilts.

I wish I could show you the joy on their face as they look on these quilts.

I wish I could convey the feelings of love that the vets feel.

I wish I could let you know how tickled the family members are that see their vet - whether a spouse or a child or a friend, recieve their Quilt of Valor.

Buuutt...Since I forgot my camera - I hope the words will do.

Todays Graduates were led into a room, and shown the assortment of QOV's. They were each able to choose the Quilt that they so desired. Totally appropriate, since they have done all the hard work of getting to the graduation. I was watching from the edge, and listening to the comments, and totally enjoying myself.

It was interesting to hear the comments. Let me tell you - EACH - Quilt was appropriately ohhed and awwwed over. I did not train them to do that, so you know it came from their heart!

The Ranger that I followed around was looking for blues. He wanted something sort of Patriotic, but calming. He found a blue rail fence that fit him. The funny thing is - this guy is NOT calm what. so. ever!  I am thinking he knew he needed help settling down - and color was a way for him.

Airborne - he wanted bold Red White and Blue - and *surprise* found a very Bold RWB rail fence... must have been the day!

Special Forces was looking for big. He was getting married and getting the cutest little step daughter in the world, and he wanted space for snuggling. He found a beautiful Tan and (surprise) Red and Blue quilt.

I thought it was so cool how the quilt found the vet, and how totally suited they were for each other.

During the graduation I got to present the quilt to the vet in the ceremony, and as I unfurled each quilt to show the audience - the gasping was WAY cool! And the families were touched that such quilts were made specifically for there vet.

Now I am going to go plan another QOV Sew Along.... It is in my blood, and in my heart. And based on the LOVE of the rail fence patterns it may have something to do with lots of strips.... and fun, and it can't be too hard, and ........ oh boy. Would anyone like to join in? What if I had a start date of Veterans Day - November 11th? 

If you want to.....leave a comment... that way I will put the pattern on my blog.......( this does not commit you to HAVING to do it though!!)