Quilt Artists Cheer Troops in Baghdad

Quilt Artists Cheer Troops in Baghdad for Thanksgiving

Thousands of troops passing daily through Camp Striker Stables in Baghdad, Iraq will be cheered this Thanksgiving and Christmas by the thirty-three quilts shipped November 14th to thank them for their service.
These quilts are part of the 218 quilts made by children and adults across America that are touring the US for four years with all profits from the books and $100 exhibit rental fees (free to military and veteran groups) going to non-profit groups who make quilts for wounded troops and the families of the fallen. Thanking Our Troop—God Bless America Touring Quilts contains the heart-warming stories and photos of these patriotic 22” and larger quilts.
This quilted tribute to the troops boosted their morale and their spirits last December through February when they were forced to spend Christmas thousands of miles from home. “The soldiers spent hours admiring the quilts and reading the stories that thanked them for their service,” Larry (Gunny) Sizemore, Supervisor of the largest “ hotel” in the world said. As they stood talking, many soldiers shared their own foxhole tales, or the heroic acts of fathers and grandfathers in previous wars. Several soldiers shed tears as the quilts evoked memories of home, family and fellow comrades killed in action.

Major Mick Kerr, Camp Striker Mayor said, ”Looking at the quilts, it’s evident that ‘freedom is not free,’ but no sacrifice is too enormous to keep our nation free. Thanks for bringing a little touch of home to us.”

SFC James Hine, Ashland, Kentucky, commented: “Coming from the hills of Kentucky where Grandma’s quilts meant comfort and love, a quote came to mind: ‘The love in your heart was not put there to stay, love is not love until you give it away.’ Your quilts are just that—from your heart to ours. Thank you for caring.”

When Gunny returned the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit to author Judy Howard, he included a surprise—a United States flag that was flown in her honor over Camp Striker in Baghdad February 12, 2009. “I’ve never felt so humbled,” Judy said. “Tears streamed as I touched the precious flag that had flown over Baghdad, flown over the face of the enemy.”

These quilts will return each year to Baghdad to cheer troops during the holidays. Yours could be one of them. See photos, sample stories, book ordering information, entry and rentals forms and calendar of exhibits on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com. You can support this worthwhile project by entering your 22” quilt and ordering books for Christmas gifts. With your help, we can blanket America with love of God and country and hugs for our heroes (healing quilted comforters).