The NFRW - National Federation of Republican Women - are honoring
the women recipients of the Purple Heart. Two years ago, when
they honored the women veterans of the Korean War, they could
not find a quilter to do Virginia's banner and another state
did ours.
I got an email about this 2011 project, actually the third
email, still asking if anyone wanted to make the banner, and
I did not hesitate. I have had the good fortune to know several
WASPs, the Woman Air Service Pilots of WWll. It took 30-40 yrs
for our government to recognize these brave gals and give them
the benefits they deserve. That's why this project is near to
my heart - to honor the sacrifices of all the women who serve.
The four corner blocks are Jacob's Ladder, the side blocks are
The Star of Virginia and Virginia Reel ( Dutchmen's Puzzle) and
the medal itself was created by George Washington. The label
on the back is the same state outline we used for the 400th Anniversary
quilt. Cindy Clark did all the machine quilting, fantastic as
usual.
At the convention in Kansas City, MO, September 29 - October
2, 2011, they will have 50 quilts, one from every state, and
a written paper on where they will be displayed...."the
Women's Purple Heart Quilt Trail". It is my hope that this
quilt will permanently hang at the VA Hospital in Salem.
Susan Palmer
Note: as of October 2011, the quilt does indeed hang in the
Veteran's Hospital in Salem.
