I took some time this morning and ventured into downtown Columbia, SC. This is my hometown and I love driving around to see what's going on. I knew there was an event happening at the State House today and law enforcement would not be necessary.
This is the sight that greeted me as I drove down Main Street toward the capitol building. This was what I was looking to see.
I am so humbled to know that I was a part of this tribute to our veterans. What you are looking at is almost 500 quilts of valor AND presentation bags that have been stitched over the last few months. Several years ago the South Carolina Longarm Group did this:
Since that time, this event at the State House has been a dream. A dream that Anne Mixon and the SC Quilts of Valor Foundation has made real. If not for Anne, I am not so sure this would have happened.
While I sat at that stop light, tears just flowed. I am so proud to know so many of the men and women that made these quilts. So many hands worked on these quilts. From the collection of fabric, the cutting of the patterns, the stitching of the blocks, the quilting of the quilts, the binding of the edges,the sewing on on the labels........and don't forget the construction of the presentation bags. So many steps. So many hours. So much love.
I personally want to thank the members of the South Carolina Longarm Group that really stepped up and quilted over 100 of these quilts. Many donated not only their time and expertise, but batting and thread and so much more. Doing this would have been more difficult without your help. Every time I ask for your help, you are right there and give freely of your time . Thank you so much.
So, now I am going to over fill this post with pictures. Every picture that I have been able to capture/steal from facebook since I left my camera in my car. It was a beautiful day!! I really hope that many of you could see this 'live and in person'.
