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VIRGINIA MEMORIAL QUILT PROJECT
2009 CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF A VIRGINIA SOLDIER
SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009
BATTLEFIELD VFW POST 9808, MECHANICSVILLE, VA

With all of our planning close to completion, we were finally ready for our annual family luncheon. This is a day that the Volunteers look forward to all year long. The decorations were put in place by VMQP Volunteers on Friday and the room was aglow with a patriotic spirit to welcome all. Family members began arriving and were welcomed at the Guest Book by Sandie Terrien. Carolyn Mills, Joyce Birch, Sue and Dave Cooper saw to it that each guest had their name tag. A bound program with the names of the soldiers the VMQP have honored with a numbered memorial quilt was given to each family. Estelle Davis and Joyce Birch were at the table where the VMQP Record Books were available for families to review. Families watched a short PowerPoint presentation prepared by Debbie Elam on the VMQP and families visited until the official program began.

Sandie Terrien asked guests and volunteers to take their seat and the first part of our program began. After the Colors were posted, the children lead the adults in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Sandie presented the VFW with a Certificate of Appreciation for their contribution to making this event possible. It was the third year the VFW have welcomed us back with open arms.

Dave Cooper led the group in singing of “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” Each of the VMQP Volunteers came to the front and introduced themselves to our guests. Some families were able to meet the quilter who made their memorial quilt and smiles and tears were shared.

George Lutz of Chesapeake, father of Corporal Tony Lutz KIA 29 Dec 2005; addressed the group and distributed information on the Honor and Remember Program showing the group the beautiful Honor and Remember Flag.

Sandie Terrien and Paula Bartlett respectfully read the name of each soldier while their attending family stood for a moment. As the 135 names were read each soldier was remembered in our hearts.

Steve Goff performed the Missing Man Ceremony to let all of us know that even though our loved ones are not physically here with us today, they will not be forgotten.
Brigadier General Jesse Cross from Fort Lee gave a special address to the group honoring NCO’s as this is the “Year of the Non-Commissioned Officer.” BG Cross emphasized respect and honor for all the men and women in our Nation’s Armed Forces serving at home and abroad.

Staff Sergeant Duane Bartlett gave the Blessing of the Food and the group enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by the VFW and the VMQP Volunteers.

Following lunch, LTC Jon Hatfield (Ret), Executive Director of the Virginia War Memorial addressed the group. He thanked the members of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project for their work in showing the families that we care and remember their loved ones in many ways. He did say that hopefully one day that the VMQP will be out of business, but when that day comes, the records that have been kept by the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project will be preserved in the library of the Virginia War Memorial.

Sandie Terrien closed the event asking everyone to stay for dessert and visiting as long as they would like to stay. She requested that we all recite the Irish Blessing, which was adopted by the Volunteers of Virginia Memorial Quilt Project as our closing.

Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand

The Volunteers of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project look forward to the 2010 Celebration of the Life of a Virginia Soldier…TOGETHER…WE WILL NOT FORGET! Hope to see more families and friends in 2010.

Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project

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