"A very Merry Unbirthday to you, to you. A very Merry Unbirthday to you." from Walt Disney's Alice in Wonderland"

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Something Good

In May and June of 2011 I worked on blocks to donate to the Quilt of Valor block challenge hosted by SewCalGal.  I sent in 15 blocks and didn't think I would hear about those blocks again.  But in fact I have heard about some of the blocks that I made and am so happy to be able to share the nice thing that's happened.

Some of my blocks along with blocks made by a quilter in Virginia and a quilter in Florida were made into a Quilt of Valor by a quilter in Wisconsin and presented to a veteran in a ceremony in Chicago honoring veterans of the 442nd RCT.  I received a thank you note from him with a caricature of him holding the quilt.

How nice is this!

The veteran, George Okamoto, also received the Congressional Gold Medal and was written up in his hometown newspaper in Indiana. 

George, thank you for your service to our country and your contribution to my freedom which I enjoy every day. 

Now just between you and me I admit that I am thrilled that some blocks I made have honored a deserving vet.  It's really a nice feeling and I feel very happy about this.  It's terrific to hear back about something I did.

I spent all of yesterday working on the QOV I'm making for my brother and I think I can see a light at the end of this tunnel. 
I tried sewing together 4 of the 6 inch blocks to make a 12 inch block and I like the results. 
I'm going to mix them with the other 12" blocks I have and hopefully it will all go together easily and look good.



7 comments:

  1. What a wonderful story of your blocks and their journey. And how wonderful that he sent such a unique and special thank you note! Well done!

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  2. How wonderful to know that your blocks were so appreciated. I love the caricature, that will make a wonderful memento for you.

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  3. George looks like quite a character - not just a hero but a great artist too! Love the caricature, and isn't is rewarding to get that feedback - no wonder you're thrilled - I would be too!

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  4. What a heartwarming story Joanna! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.

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  5. Hi Joanna,

    Hi! My Dad, George Okamoto, is the WWII Vet who received your quilt and whose cartoon you posted on your blog. On behalf of our family, we offer you a great big THANK YOU for honoring him with this beautiful quilt. I think you are amazing for donating this to an appreciative Vet. He was absolutely thrilled and surprised to be presented with something so beautiful! Thank you again!

    Erin Okamoto Protsman
    George's daughter :-)

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  7. Erin, Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I hope you know that making blocks for the Quilt of Valor Challenge and hearing from your father was an honor for me.

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Thanks so much for leaving a comment. They make my day ;-)