BEDFORD – Two quilts were made and given to two retired armed forces members, as a way to say thank you for their service and provide healing to those who served to keep our nation safe.
Clarence “Lou” Mezie and Dan Colglazier were the two honored quests, who received quilts made by Tracey Fish during a small ceremony at the Lawrence County Courthouse Veterans Memorial.
Kay Miller, a Retired U.S. Navy Chief, and Southern Indiana District Coordinator for the Quilts of Valor® Foundation shared the reason behind the non-profit organization, and its need to continue to support current and former military members.
“This is our opportunity to give back to our veterans, who signed their name on the dotted line to put their country first, so others may continue to live in freedom,” said Miller. “Without them, we might not be here, This is not for us, but for those who bravely set their lives aside to serve.”
Starting in 2003, Quilts of Valor® started from a dream that founder Catherine Roberts had while her son was deployed in Iraq. In her dream she saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair, as his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter.
Both men in their quilts. Lou (left) and Dan (right) 
Lou and his quilt 
The quilt made for Dan
Then, as if viewing a movie and transitioning into the next scene, she saw him wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change in the man’s behavior, giving Roberts a clear message as to what her dream was about: Quilts equal healing.
Tracey had reached out to the organization, to nominate Colglazier and Mezie and made the quilts presented to the two men during the ceremony. When asked about why he did it, all she could say was this is not about her, but about these two men.
“I am a Vietnam vet, so it’s different for us. Most of us were not welcomed home from the war, because we were blamed by those who opposed the war. This to me is kind of like the welcome home I didn’t receive when I first got home, but I got my welcome home today,” said Dan Colglazier.
“It’s hard to put into words what this means, but I am glad to know about this organization now so my family and I can continue to support it somehow. I will use this quilt every day.,” Lou Mezie said.
Quilts of Valor have reached over 300,000 veterans so far with more continuing to reach out across all 50 states and territories owned by the U.S.
“I have worked with the organization for 12 years, starting by going to a hospital and giving out quilts to 30 veterans,” Miller said. “When I ran out, I understood the meaning a little better and it made me want to do more. I urge those who don’t know about the group to reach out and learn more on the organization’s website, and even consider donations or helping to make quilts for our veterans.”
