"Quilts In Remembrance"

[thedrifter]

"QUILTS IN REMEMBRANCE"

The Agent Orange Memorial Quilt Foundation is promoting the crafting of an
unending number of quilts to draw widespread national attention to the
desperate plight of U.S. veterans sickened by Agent Orange sprayed on them in
Vietnam. This quilt is a memorial to the veterans who are sick or have
already lost their lives due to chemical exposure or other horrors to which
they were subjected to in Vietnam and which ultimately caused their illness
or death. Their names are not on the granite Wall, but they are just as
important. "Quilts In Remembrance" is their "Orange Wall". They returned
home only to become sick and die in their own country as a result of their
tour of duty in Vietnam. There have been over 250,000 deaths due to Agent
Orange and other diseases/disorders contracted in Vietnam.
These quilts will not be built of stone or granite but will be constructed
by loving and caring hands and they will show our feelings and express our
love and gratitude in every stitch.

The quilts have been on display in Washington, DC for Memorial Day. In May
1999, the "Victim's Quilts", along with the addition of the "Celebrity
Support Quilts" were displayed. The response from the veterans and public
has been overwhelming. A "Desert Storm Victim's Quilt" has been started
along with a "Child Victim's Quilt" for both Agent Orange and *Desert Storm.
The quilts are on display every year at the Howard County Vietnam Veterans
Reunion in Kokomo, IN. They have also been shown at the 173rd Airborne
Reunion in NC, and the Gold Star Wives Convention in Texas. Memorial Day
weekend 2000, the quilts were displayed with the "Wall That Heals" in
Streamwood, IL. On July 29th and 30th, 2000 they were again in Streamwood
with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Chicago Chapter for the Summer Festival, and
again Memorial Day, 2001, for the unveiling of the War Dog Memorial.
For the past 3 years the quilts have been displayed for the Fourth of July
Celebration at Hidden Lake, in Merrillville, IN, and in Lowell, IN for the
Labor Day Celebration. At both events we are along side VVA Chapter 285.
In Merrillville, IN the quilts were shown with "The Wall That Heals" in
August 2001, at the Calumet Park Cemetery. In July 2002, they were at shown
at "The Vietnam Wall Experience" at Stilinovich & Wiatrolik Funeral Home.

Directions for making a block: Each block should be 20 ? inches by 20 ?
inches. Orange (Vietnam), khaki (Desert Storm), or olive drab cloth (Korean
War). In addition to a veteran's name (or a veteran's affected child's
name), we suggest rank (in the case of a veteran), appliqu?d flowers,
wreaths, American flags, patriotic designs, black barrels with an orange band
(representing Agent Orange), military items such as helmets, crossed rifles,
airplanes, jeeps, Army boots, helicopters, tanks, military emblems, head
silhouette, tear drops (for many have been shed for these men) or a design or
idea of your own appropriate for this quilt. If you wish, list the dates of
birth and death, and cause of death or illness. The quilt blocks can contain
embroidery, cross-stitch, patchwork, appliqu?, lettering or wording with
fabric pencil, etc.

Please send the completed items to:
Sharon Degner, 238 Constitution, Potterville, MI 48876, (517) 645-7760
Carolyn Pentecost, 2177 Wildwood Court, Hanover Park, IL 60103, (630)
837-3389 or
Sandy Postawa, 3719 W 50 S, Morocco, IN 47963, (219) 285-6818.
"THE AGENT ORANGE MEMORIAL QUILT FOUNDATION"
If you wish any further information, feel free to call or write us.
Our heartfelt thanks to all taking part in this effort. We are deeply moved
by your willingness to show your support of this memorial tribute to those
who gave, and are still giving their lives for their country. You touch our
hearts.

Sempers,

Roger