Quilts of Valor Presentation on Memorial Weekend
The historic Quilts of Valor Presentation took place in Wisconsin Rapids on May 25th with 45 female veterans receiving unique quilts.
NATASHA WINKLER
The atmosphere in the East Junior High School Fieldhouse was vibrant with the melodic tunes of military and patriotic music, courtesy of the Lincoln High School Band, on May 25th. Over a hundred attendees eagerly took their seats, brimming with excitement for the Quilts of Valor Presentation. Positioned facing the expectant crowd were forty-five women veterans, their presence a testament to their service and sacrifice. Behind them, the Material Girls of Wisconsin Rapids meticulously arranged tables, each adorned with neatly folded quilts awaiting their moment to drape over the deserving recipients.
The Order of Ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Bill Haack, the Master of Ceremony, whose diligent efforts in planning and organizing the event over the past year made the all-female Quilts of Valor ceremony a reality. Following his introduction, the Lincoln High School Band delivered a poignant performance of “Armed Forces Salute,” a stirring arrangement by Bob Lowden paying homage to veterans and their families. Each branch of the military was honored in turn, prompting veterans and their loved ones to rise and be acknowledged as their respective anthem played.
Amidst the solemnity of the occasion, the presentation of colors by member organizations of the South Wood County Allied Veterans Council was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in service to the nation. Accompanied by the ethereal harmonies of Aspiring Acapella, who rendered the National Anthem with grace and reverence, the ceremony exuded a profound sense of patriotism and gratitude.
Karen Demaree, the Wisconsin State Coordinator for Quilts of Valor, eloquently recounted the foundation’s history, tracing its origins to the visionary dream of a single woman. Joni Wolf of the Material Girls then had the privilege of narrating the service histories of each veteran, infusing each name with dignity and honor. As members of the Material Girls presented the bespoke quilts, their unique designs served as tangible expressions of gratitude and appreciation for the veterans’ selfless dedication.
In the aftermath of the ceremony, Kathy Murphy reflected on the profound sense of fulfillment that accompanies the completion of such a meaningful service. By conducting pre-event interviews with the veterans, the Material Girls ensured that each quilt presentation was accompanied by a personalized account of the recipient’s service, enriching the experience for both giver and receiver.
Among the honored recipients was Tina Maciejewski, a former Air Force servicewoman whose twenty-year tenure from 1988 to 2008 merited recognition. At the post-ceremony cookout hosted at VFW Post #2534, Tina expressed her profound gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her and her fellow female veterans. For Tina and many others, receiving a Quilt of Valor was not just a token of appreciation but a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and sacrifice that bind servicemen and women together in a shared legacy of duty and honor.