By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews.com
Some 300 military veterans in Lincoln County own a piece of textile art that has the power to bring tears. It measures about 60 by 80 inches, handcrafted by volunteers of 100 percent cotton, and is comprised of many squares of red, white and blue fabric.
But what makes it truly unique is the embroidered label stitched to each and every one. The custom-made label carries each veteran’s name, his or her rank, branch and years of service.
And each one concludes “Thank you for your Service. Oregon Coastal Quilters Guild Veterans Quilt Project.”
Several veterans were added to this special group of honorees this month when the guild presented them with their own customized quilt.
“We hope this quilt will keep you warm,” states the card included with each quilt, “and remind you every day of our gratitude for your service to our country.”
Ron Urban of Yachats, a Vietnam-era veteran, was among those receiving a quilt.
Since 2016 when the Veteran’s Project began, many guild members have devoted their time and skills to producing individual quilt sections, or “ blocks,” which are then fashioned into complete quilts.
All have the star-spangled colors, but that’s the only design requirement. Each finished quilt is a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects the artistry of individual quilters.
“Whatever the ladies make and give to us is what we have to give away,” said Rose Shaw of South Beach, a member of the guild’s Veteran’s Project committee. While the quilts are being produced, various members embroider the customized labels.
In that first year, presenting the quilts was a highlight of the guild’s annual two-day show in August. After a welcome ceremony at the door of the Newport Recreation Center, the veteran and his/her family would walk behind an American flag to enter the center, with people thanking them along the way.
“Then the veteran would say a few words if they wanted; you could look around and see everybody crying,” said Shaw.
Since then, other group presentations have been made around Lincoln County. Sites have included Newport Airport, the Lincoln County Jail (most of the staff are former military), a number of campgrounds, and parking lots of stores and churches.
When pandemic restrictions began last year, the guild shifted to “porch drops” to distribute the quilts — with masks and social distancing — which are also called quilts of valor, honor or gratitude quilts.
Veterans very thankful, emotional
The responses from veterans are memorable.
“Some have gotten quite emotional; some are speechless — they don’t know what to say,” said Cheryl Kramer of South Beach, another member of the project committee. “A lot of them have said this is the first time anyone ever did something for them as a veteran — especially the Vietnam veterans. When they came home, they were not welcomed. This may be the first positive thing anyone has ever done for them.”
The quilters started out giving quilts just to veterans of World War II “because that’s the group that’s most vulnerable,” said Shaw. “Then we opened up to anyone who served in the military for our freedom.”
The only requirement is they live in Lincoln County.
As word about the veterans’ quilts has spread, the requests have grown substantially. It still takes time, though, to produce the handmade creations. Once a veterans’ name is submitted on the guild’s website, it can take a few months to complete a quilt.
Anyone who would like to help create the special quilts are urged to join the guild, and volunteer through the website.
“We can always use people who want to put together quilts, or who have long-arm machines or embroidery machines for the labels,” said Kramer.
While quilt shops in the area have donated fabric and batting, most of the materials used are provided by the guild members. When needed, guild members often use their own funds to buy supplies.
A quilter helped, a project born
Almost 300 quilts have been given to Lincoln County veterans so far since a chance encounter in 2016 spurred the birth of the project. Shaw happened to be visiting the Toledo Quilt Shop, which is now closed, when she was asked for help by Sonny Hamner, a veteran from Creswell.
Hamner said he had time on his hands, and “if he didn’t get busy with something he’d ‘get in trouble’,” Shaw recalled. He had a basket full of cut pattern pieces, and asked Shaw if she might stitch them together, press them and send back to him.
She did, and later suggested he contact the guild to get more help.
“He came to the next meeting and told us what he wanted,” she said. “Many people raised their hands to volunteer, and we’re still going strong.”
Founded in 1991, the guild currently has almost 200 members, with monthly meetings — currently online via Zoom — open to the public. While women predominate, men are more than welcome, too, and there have been a few among the membership — including Hamner.
The guild also has five “satellite” groups that meet regularly: one each in Yachats, Waldport and Lincoln City, and two in Newport.
- Cheryl Romano is a Yachats freelance reporter who contributes regularly to YachatsNews.com. She can be reached at Wordsell@gmail.com
My husband and I (both Vietnam-era veterans) have received a quilt from the Oregon Coastal Quilters Guild Veterans Quilt Project. They are so beautiful and a constant reminder that our service is appreciated. Thank you so much to the Guild and its many members for a gift that continues to bless day in and day out.
AWESOME! Good job, quilters.
Lovely article and great pictures. Thank you!