Uncovering the Meaning of a Quilt of Valor: A Symbol of Honor and Sacrifice

AvatarByJill Nammar Quiting

Quilts hold a special place in our hearts, whether it be the cozy warmth they provide or the cherished memories that come with them. But have you ever heard of a Quilt of Valor? This stitched masterpiece goes beyond just providing comfort – it holds deep meaning and serves as a powerful symbol of gratitude and honor for our nation’s heroes. Join us as we unravel the story behind What Is A Quilt Of Valor and discover the heartwarming tradition that has touched countless lives.

Understanding Quilts of Valor

Quilts of Valor is a non-profit organization that aims to honor and comfort military service members and veterans by awarding them with handmade quilts. These quilts are created as a symbol of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice while serving the country. The organization was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, who wanted to show her appreciation to her son’s friend who had just returned from Iraq. Since then, Quilts of Valor has grown into a national movement with over 250,000 quilts awarded.

The Process of Making a Quilt of Valor

The process of making a Quilt of Valor involves four main stages: nomination, piecing, quilting, and presentation. First, a loved one or friend can nominate a service member or veteran who they feel deserves to be honored with a quilt. The nominations are then reviewed by local coordinators who choose which applicants will receive quilts.

Once an applicant has been selected, volunteers begin the piecing stage where they create the quilt top using various textiles in patriotic colors such as red, white, and blue. These fabrics are carefully chosen to reflect the recipient’s time in service or personal preferences. Next, the quilt is sent to a volunteer longarm quilter who adds intricate designs through stitching. This step can take anywhere from 20 to 80 hours depending on the design complexity.

After the quilting is complete, volunteers attach the binding around the edges to finish off the quilt’s look. Finally, it is time for presentation day where recipients are honored with their Quilt of Valor at ceremonies often held in public events such as parades or community gatherings.

The Symbolism Behind Each Quilt

Each Quilt of Valor has its own unique story and symbolism behind it. Unlike traditional quilts that are made for warmth or decoration, these quilts hold a much deeper meaning. They are a symbol of love, gratitude, and appreciation for the recipients’ service and sacrifice. The red and white stripes represent the purity of their service, while the blue represents loyalty and sacrifice.

Additionally, each quilt is made with a label that includes the recipient’s name, rank, branch of service, and any special notes or messages from the volunteer who made it. This personal touch adds even more significance to each quilt as it serves as a constant reminder to the recipient of their courage and bravery.

The Impact of Quilts of Valor

Quilts of Valor has had a profound impact on not only its recipients but also its volunteers and communities. For recipients, receiving a quilt is often a surprise and honor they never expected. It serves as a tangible token of appreciation for their service and can bring comfort during difficult times.

For volunteers, making these quilts allows them to use their talents to give back and show their gratitude for those who have served. It also provides them with an opportunity to connect with others in their communities who share the same passion for supporting our military personnel.

Furthermore, Quilts of Valor has been successful in creating awareness about the sacrifices made by military service members and veterans. The ceremonies where quilts are presented serve as reminders to everyone present to never forget these brave individuals’ sacrifices.

How You Can Get Involved

There are various ways you can get involved in supporting Quilts of Valor. One way is by becoming a volunteer. You can help with piecing, quilting or sewing labels on quilts. If you don’t have sewing skills but still would like to contribute, you can also donate materials or sponsor a quilt.

Another way to get involved is by nominating a loved one or friend who has served or is currently serving in the military to receive a quilt. You can also attend a presentation ceremony in your community to show your support and appreciation for our service members and veterans.

In conclusion, Quilts of Valor is a powerful organization that has touched the hearts of many through its mission to honor and comfort military service members and veterans. These handcrafted quilts not only provide warmth but also serve as a symbol of love, gratitude, and appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served our country. With over 250,000 quilts awarded and countless lives impacted, Quilts of Valor continues to make a positive impact on individuals, communities, and the nation. Consider getting involved today and being a part of this meaningful movement.


What Is A Quilt Of Valor

History of Quilts of Valor

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts. The inspiration behind this organization came from Catherine’s son, who was deployed in Iraq. As a mother, she felt the need to comfort and support her son and all the brave men and women who serve their country.

The tradition of giving quilts to soldiers dates back to the Civil War. Women would stitch quilts for soldiers wounded in battle, providing them with physical and emotional warmth. This tradition continued throughout various wars, but it wasn’t until Catherine Roberts that the idea was formalized into an organized effort.

In its early days, Quilts of Valor primarily focused on World War II veterans. However, as the word spread about this beautiful gesture, more requests came pouring in. Today, Quilts of Valor has become a nationwide movement with over 180,000 beautifully handmade quilts being awarded to service members and veterans from all branches of the military.

The Meaning Behind a Quilt of Valor

A Quilt of Valor is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of gratitude, healing, and comfort for those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Each quilt is carefully handcrafted with love and patriotism by quilters all across America.

The red, white, and blue fabrics used represent our country’s flag while the gold star symbolizes sacrifice for our nation. The quilt’s quilted stitches are also significant; they represent the thread that binds our military members past and present together.

Awarding a Quilt of Valor is not only an acknowledgment of a service member’s bravery but also serves to remind them that their sacrifice is not forgotten.

The Process of Making a Quilt of Valor

Quilts of Valor are handmade with love and dedication by quilters all across the country. These volunteers spend countless hours selecting fabrics, cutting, sewing, and quilting to create each beautiful piece. It takes an average of 100 hours to create a single Quilt of Valor!

The quilt-making process starts with selecting the perfect fabrics that represent our country and its heroes. The quilters then cut the fabric into individual pieces and sew them together using various traditional and modern techniques.

Once the quilt top is complete, it’s layered with batting and backing fabric before being quilted together. This process involves stitching through all three layers to secure them together. The design and patterns used for quilting can vary, but they are all chosen carefully to enhance the overall look and feel of the quilt.

After quilting, the edges are trimmed, binding is added, and finally, a label is sewn onto the back of the quilt. Each label contains information about who made the quilt and for whom it was made for.

The Impact of Quilts of Valor

A Quilt of Valor holds a special place in the hearts of those who receive it. This beautiful handmade tribute offers physical comfort as well as emotional support for military members who have endured hardships in serving their country.

As veterans share their stories with family, friends, or even strangers while wrapped in their Quilt of Valor, it serves as a reminder that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

These quilts also serve as a bridge between generations; by presenting a quilt to an older veteran from WWII or Vietnam era connects them with younger generations who have served in more recent conflicts such as Iraq or Afghanistan.

Becoming Involved in Quilts of Valor

Becoming a part of the Quilts of Valor community is simple and rewarding. Those interested can volunteer their time and skills to make quilts, donate supplies or money, or sponsor a quilt for a service member or veteran.

Quilts of Valor operates on the generosity of donors and volunteers. It takes an average of $200 to make a quilt, and the organization relies on donations to cover costs such as fabric, batting, and other supplies.

In addition to making quilts, volunteers can also help with distribution by organizing presentation ceremonies in their local communities or through online requests for quilts for loved ones.

A Quilt of Valor is a beautiful tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. It represents not only gratitude but also the unbreakable bond that exists between members of the military. Through the efforts of dedicated quilters and volunteers, Quilts of Valor continue to make a significant impact on veterans’ lives every day.


Q: What is a Quilt of Valor?
A: A Quilt of Valor is a handmade quilt that is given to military service members and veterans as a tangible thank you for their service and sacrifice.

Q: Who creates Quilts of Valor?
A: Quilts of Valor are created by volunteer quilters who donate their time, materials, and skills to make these special quilts for our military heroes.

Q: How can I request a Quilt of Valor for myself or a loved one?
A: If you or someone you know has served in the military, you can request a Quilt of Valor by contacting your local Quilts of Valor group or by filling out the online request form on the Quilts of Valor website.

Q: How much does it cost to receive a Quilt of Valor?
A: There is no cost associated with receiving a Quilt of Valor. All materials and labor are donated by volunteers.

Q: Can I personalize the quilt I receive as a recipient?
A: Yes, recipients are encouraged to add their own personal touches to their quilt such as embroidery, patches, or pictures. However, the main design and construction of the quilt must be done by the volunteer quilters.

Q: How can I get involved with making Quilts of Valor?
A: Anyone can get involved with making Quilts of Valor by joining or starting a local quilting group, or by donating materials or monetary contributions. You can also volunteer your time at events or provide administrative support for your local group.

In conclusion, a Quilt of Valor is not just a handmade blanket, but a symbol of love, gratitude, and patriotism towards service members. The tradition of making Quilts of Valor dates back to the Civil War and continues to this day, providing comfort and recognition to those who have served or are currently serving in the military.

Through this article, we have learned that a Quilt of Valor represents more than just fabric and stitches; it represents the heartfelt appreciation from an entire community. The process of making these quilts involves skill, dedication, and countless hours of work from volunteers who selflessly contribute their time and effort.

We have also explored the criteria for awarding a Quilt of Valor, which includes serving in the armed forces during war or conflict as well as significant acts of courage and sacrifice. This signifies that receiving a Quilt of Valor is not just about fulfilling requirements but rather about recognition of one’s service.

Additionally, we have discussed how Quilts of Valor have positively impacted veterans’ lives by providing them with physical comfort as well as emotional healing. The act of wrapping someone in the warmth and love of a quilt is a powerful gesture that can never be underestimated.

Furthermore, the tradition of Quilts for Valor serves as an essential reminder for us

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.