Dublin Historical Museum’s back room was filled with a sea of reverent observers as two veterans were honored in a Quilt of Valor Ceremony Thursday night in honor of Veterans Day.
The hour-long event ended with special patriotic quilts being presented to Craig Washam, Jr. and Mark Hall.
Craig Washam, Jr. served as a Howitzer gunner with the 1st Infantry Division.
Mark Hall was a Green Beret with the 7th Ranger Battalion
“We thank you for your service, gentlemen. And, yes, that was a long time ago, but what we experience in life creates who we are,” said local Quilt of Valor representative Elaine Fields Smith in presenting honors. “These men deserve to be recognized and we are honored to present them with these homemade quilts.”
Smith organized a special program to precede the quilts which were draped over each honoree in a regal fashion.
Since both were Vietnam Vets, two poems were read, both written by Veterans of the conflict.
Smith read a poem called “Nam Mares” by Blint Majors while Glenn Murray read the poem, “Nam” by Smokey Culver.
Murray spoke of the steadfast bonds of friends he met in the service who surprised him by being there for major moments for major moments in his life without him being aware they knew what was going on.
After reading the poem, Murray said he talked to those friends earlier in the day and advised the audience to cherish true friends like that.
Smith also tapped her barbershop quartet, Sweet Memories to begin the program with several patriotic songs. In preparing the evening, she gathered several more and there were ten in the choir by Thursday evening. The choir was led by Gloriana Tadlock.
Cheryl Devivo also gave a special performance of “Some Gave Some, Some Gave All.”
Those who know someone who has been touched by war and would like to have a Quilt of Valor awarded can go to www.qovf.org to complete the request.