“We are eternally grateful to you and thank you for your service to our country, the duties you perform, and the sacrifices you and your family made so we can enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today,” Tina Johnson, group leader for Grand Island Quilt of Valor Sew-ciety, said Saturday afternoon during a presentation for Scott Brunelle at the Clay Center Legion.
Brunelle served in the United States Marine Corps from 1989-95 and was honored for his service with a Quilt of Valor.
A Quilt of Valor is to cover veterans touched by war with comfort and healing quilts, and is an expression of gratitude.
Each quilt consists of three layers held together by stitches—the top of the quilt, with its many colors, shapes, and fabrics, represents the communities and many individuals we are; the middle layer symbolizes the warmth and comfort and represents the hope that the quilt brings the veterans warmth, comfort, peace, and healing; and the backing is the strength that represents the strength of the recipient, the family, community, and nation.
Each stitch that holds the layers together represents the love, gratitude, and sometimes tears of the maker.
“On behalf of the Quilts of Valor Foundation and in recognition of your service to this nation, it’s a privilege and an honor to award you this Quilt of Valor,” Johnson said as she laid the quilt over Brunelle’s shoulders. “Please accept it in the grateful thanksgiving for your service and sacrifice and in the defense of our country. We know that you left home to protect us.
“We say thank you, because we know that freedom is not free. Please know that your friends, family, community, and a grateful nation appreciate what you have done... and if you’ve not heard these words before, welcome home.”
Receiving a quilt was not the only gift Brunelle received Saturday, he also received the gift of a reunion with an old friend and service buddy.
At just 21 years old, Brunelle found a brotherhood in the Marine Corps and a bond that even to this day has gone unbroken.
One of those bonds formed was with Michael Ackerman, who served with Brunelle in Yuma in 1993-94. Ackerman traveled to Clay Center from North Carolina as a surprise.
As they embraced each other in a hug, the happy tears came, and following the Quilt of Valor presentation, the remainder of the afternoon was spent reminiscing and fellowship.
Scott Brunelle, left, gives a hug to Michael Ackerman, who surprised him during his Quilt of Valor presentation Saturday. Ackerman served with Brunelle in Yuma in 1993-94.
