All of the quilts in the display this month at Skidompha Library, at 184 Main St. in Damariscotta, have been made by the Lincoln County Quilters of Midcoast Maine. They are known as Quilts of Valor, and are part of a large nationwide effort to provide custom quilts to U.S. veterans of war. The quilts are intended to help heal, commemorate, support, and honor those who have served the country. The quilts often become heirlooms, passed down to younger generations to help them remember the sacrifices of their forbearers. The Lincoln County Quilters have been working together on these quilts for more than five years, and have presented about 150 quilts to deserving servicemen thus far in the Midcoast Maine area.
All the materials for these quilting projects come from donations. The tops of the quilts are pieced by the Lincoln County Quilters, who donate their time. The long-arm quilting that ties the quilt layers together is done by dedicated professionals who also donate their time, talents, and materials.
American Legion Post #42 of Damariscotta lends its facilities for the Quilts of Valor presentations, and many more community members contribute generously in funds, time, and talent to make the creation and presentation of these beautiful quilts possible. The quilts on display at Skidompha Library will soon find new homes on June 4, when they will be given to a veteran at the next award ceremony at the American Legion Hall.
To date, more than 158,000 Quilts of Valor have been given out in all 50 states of the United States. For more information about Quilts of Valor, go to qovf.org.
For more information about the Lincoln County Quilters, contact Pat Johnston at pjohns@tidewater.net or 563-2239, or email Marge Bailey at mhbailey43@aol.com.
