PREECEVILLE - The Royal Canadian Legion, Preeceville branch presented Second World War veteran Melvin Stone with a special Quilt of Valour to show appreciation for his years of service in the Royal Canadian Legion. Bill Lesko and Jeremy Mattison, representatives from the Legion, made the presentation to Stone on May 11. Stone is currently a resident of the Preeceville Personal Care Home and will be celebrating his 100th birthday in October.
The attached thank-you card stated, “On behalf of the Quilts of Valour, Canada Society in recognition of your service and sacrifice for Canada and all Canadians it is our privilege to honour and comfort you. Though we may not know the depth of your sacrifice to protect and defend our freedom, we thank you. As a gesture of gratitude from a grateful nation, we present you with this Quilt of Valour.”
“In 2006, a local Edmonton quilter presented quilts to three Canadian Armed Forces members who were recovering in hospital from injuries they received in Afghanistan,” said the Canada Quilt of Valour website.
It was her way of saying “Thank You" and giving some comfort to these military members. She was not prepared for the impact of meeting these brave young men and learning firsthand of their injuries. It made such an impression that it has taken quilter Lezley Zwaal in directions she never imagined. From these humble beginnings Quilts of Valour - Canada was born.
The mission is to ensure that injured Canadian Forces members are recognized for their service and commitment to our country. We give this support through the presentation of quilts to comfort our injured past and present Canadian Forces members.
Through the encouragement, support and enthusiasm of quilters, the Quilts of Valour - Canada Society was formed as a registered national charity in 2009.
The Quilts of Valour – Canada Society has presented quilts to thousands of recipients who are coping with injuries both visible and invisible. These quilts are made by volunteer quilters from across the country who wished to show their appreciation to our injured Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present for their bravery and commitment to Canada and its citizens. The quilts come from individuals, groups and guilds, men and women, young people, retired armed forces members themselves and many others with no connection to the military.
A Quilt of Valour is a hug from a grateful nation and a tribute to an injured Canadian Armed Forces member, past or present. Although most will never know the soldier who will receive a quilt, imagine what it would be like for those who did know the soldier. What if that soldier was your spouse, your brother/sister, your friend or your child?
A Quilt of Valour serves a special purpose and quality construction is important. Quilt standards must reflect the level of gratitude that we want to demonstrate to the recipient.
