May 23, 2014 – Memorial Day / Quilts of Valor

Memorial Day is a US federal holiday wherein the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.  Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

Would you like to help our service members in a very meaningful way?  How about using your quilt passion to make a Quilt of Valor?  The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.  The Quilts of Valor Foundation got started in November 2003 with the goal of making quilts that would both heal and comfort the war wounded.  These quilts are called Quilts of Valor (QOVs).  Recipients that qualify have been “touched by war” and have wounds that are both seen and unseen.  For additional information see www.govf.org. Loftworks Quilting is honored to provide machine quilting for these projects (patriotic designs are available).