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Thursday, March 28, 2024

World War II Veterans are honored with Quilts of Valor

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Above / Since 2003, more than 178,365 handmade Quilts of Valor have been presented “to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing.” Three more quilts were presented at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 on Groundhog Day to World War II veterans George Hogrewe, Bill Howland and Dick McLaughlin.

Veterans honor veterans.

Peggy Beata heads the Quilts of Valor Committee for the VFW Post #3873 Auxiliary. On Groundhog Day, members of her group planned to present handmade quilts to several World War II veterans during a special luncheon that also welcomed Commander Tom Parker, Sr. Vice Commander Pablo Araya, Quartermaster Phil Maughan and other veterans Mike McGrath and Ron Beata, all members of the Naperville VFW Post. 

After the special guests arrived, Beata mentioned that she’d thought about postponing the presentation because of the sub-freezing temperature. Then she mused, “These veterans didn’t get to be in their nineties by being wimps, so here we are.”

Before the presentation, Beata explained the Veterans Auxiliary was awarding the quilts, crafted and given by the National Quilts of Valor Organization (QOV), as a “small way to thank you for your patriotism and military service.”

One by one, the three World War II veterans in attendance were presented with lovely commemorative quilts, designed and stitched with patriotic themes.

Lucy Hoy helped wrap a quilt around Dick McLaughlin who served in the Navy.

Tita McLaughlin presented one to Bill Howland for serving in the Army.

Marcy Maughan gave a quilt to George Hogrewe who also served in the Navy.

“Quilts always are made with love,” said Marcy Maughan. “Lots and lots of love.”

Quilts of Valor since 2003

Quilts of Valor is a national 501(c)3 organization that awards beautiful quilts, handcrafted by its members, for military veterans. The Mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to “cover service members and veterans touched by war touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”

For more information about Quilts of Valor, visit www.qovf.org/.

Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873

The Judd Kendall VFW Post is located at 908 W. Jackson Avenue.

For more information about all the programs, special events, fundraisers, socials, room rentals, student scholarship and essay contests, as well as the upcoming Friday Night Fish Fry during Lent, visit www.napervfw3873.org.

P.S. The three witty, wise and grateful gentlemen who received Quilts of Valor didn’t sit around sharing war stories at lunch. Each one was looking forward. They talked of plans to join friends during monthly luncheons, rotating to different local restaurants; to travel on an upcoming riverboat cruise in Europe; and to attend Kreger’s 125th anniversary celebration on Feb. 3. One of the WWII Veterans excused himself in order to prepare a dish for a Super Bowl party, Beata said.

 

 

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