WASHINGTON -- Idaho Sen. Larry Craig presented a quilt today depicting Idaho veterans to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi during a ceremony here.
“The tapestry of American society is enriched by threads of freedom and opportunity protected and preserved by veterans' service and sacrifice,” said Principi. “The images sewn into this quilt remind us that the word ‘veteran’ does not describe an abstract concept. It describes our neighbors -- men and women willing to place their lives at risk.”
Idaho volunteers produced the 4-by-5 foot quilt with materials contributed by local businesses. The portrait of a veteran from each of Idaho’s 44 counties is featured on separate panels arranged around a map of Idaho and the words, “Lest We Forget.”
“There never is a time in our country when we should not think about our veterans,” said Sen. Craig.
The quilt was produced as part of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project. Congress established the Veterans History Project in October 2000 to assemble a national collection of wartime stories and memories from those who served in America’s armed forces. The collection includes material about civilians who supported the troops during World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars.
The 44 veterans depicted on the quilt are identified by name and the county each represents. It will be on display in VA’s headquarters building for several weeks, after which it will be displayed in the Idaho State Capitol.
