Mahatma Gandhi said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” In Hill City South Dakota, Heart of the Hills Quilters, a group of sixty women with some residing outside of South Dakota, come together in community, connection, and caring to “celebrate the art of quilting through workshops, shows, and community events.” In 2015 this group began quilting Valor Appreciation Quilts to give to local veterans and active duty service members as a thank you for their service. Lori Comer, who had the idea to begin this project and heads up the Valor Appreciation Quilts, kindly shared some of her time to talk about this special project.
“To encourage, inspire, show compassion, create connections and share the art of quilting with our community and beyond.” Heart of the Hills Quilters
For years Heart of the Hills Quilters would make and donate quilts to Operation Black Hills Cabin in Custer. Operation Black Hills Cabin is a one week retreat where combat wounded veterans can experience solace and connect with family. Doing this brought joy to the quilters as they love honoring and thanking veterans for their service. As fate would have it one day when Lori was commuting to work, thinking out loud and talking to her windshield, ideas came to mind about honoring more veterans. This “voices in the windshield” moment led Lori to the Valor Appreciation Quilt idea. The idea that Heart of the Hills Quilters would create and gift red, white, and blue quilts for local veterans and active duty service members as a thank you for their service.
“It’s a deeply meaningful gesture for honorees ranging from WWII veterans to active duty service members.” Heart of the Hills Quilters
Lori’s voice in the windshield idea about Valor Quilts set into motion a human quilt, stitched together with caring hearts and a connected community, who wanted to be a part of this magnificent honor. The ten years and sixty quilts reflect the dedication and joy of making quilts that are sewn with love by many hands. Lori shared that a Vietnam War veteran told her this was the first time in his life he had been thanked for his service. There have been times after a veteran had died at the VA Hospital where their Valor Appreciation Quilt covered them as they laid to rest. Lori attended a burial where a Valor Appreciation Quilt was draped over a veterans’ casket. She has seen quilts hanging on the walls of homes of veterans, and other veterans using them for their naps. These quilts have value and meaning to those who receive them. While red, white, and blue colors are part of each quilt, each quilt has a unique design. Pat Forrer, a community member, designs and makes special red, white, and blue cards that Heart of the Hills Quilters sign and give along with the quilts.
“Veterans” Their sacrifices weave the fabric of our freedom, honored stitch by stitch in valor quilts.” Heart of the Hills Quilters
Veterans or active service members who receive a quilt have to reside in Hill City or have a connection to a Hill City resident. Each year six Valor Quilt’s are awarded. Sewing a quilt requires hours of work and are worked on all year by various members. Quilting requires a variety of skills and knowledge. There are days where the collective group gathers together to work on the quilts. Some fabric is donated and there are community businesses that help with discounts for supplies. Heart of the Hills Quilters have also received grants that help them purchase fabric and quilting supplies.
“We honor them with valor quilts to recognize their service, bravery, and the personal sacrifices made in defense of our nation, wrapping them in warmth and gratitude.” Hearts of the Hills Quilters
What happens next is spectacular. On Veteran’s Day, the Hill City School holds classes. Students from kindergarten to high school gather in the auditorium along with special seating for veterans and members of the community who are invited to this special day, and of course the quilters are in attendance. The band and choir of the school play and sing patriotic songs of the United States. One by one the individual who nominated a veteran or active duty service member’s name is read, along with the person they nominated, and are called to the front of the gymnasium. Next, stories of the bravery of the honorees are shared. As each honoree comes up front, two Heart of the Hills Quilters present the Veteran with their quilt, wrapping it around them as a way to show “warmth, comfort, and gratitude around those who have served.”
“Each quilt, often handcrafted with love and careful attention to detail, symbolizes not just the fabric and stitches, but the collective appreciation of a nation for its military.” Heart of the Hills Quilters
It is with honor and joy we shine the Kindness Champion spotlight on Heart of the Hills Quilters. A group stitching together a love of quilting with gratitude to veterans and active service members, to make Valor Appreciation Quilts. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
For more information or to support Heart of the Hills Quilters here is their information:
Website: https://heartofthehillsquilters.com/
Facebook: @HeartoftheHillsQuilters https://www.facebook.com/groups/2284768645016776/
