(Le Mars) — It was Saturday when we first were introduced to the “Quilts of Valor” when members of the Le Mars based Wasmer Post #241 American Legion donated and draped a patriotic-colored quilt on the shoulders of U-S Senator Joni Ernst just prior to her cross-state motorcycle ride. Today, we learn
more about the “Quilts of Valor” program. Ginny Freyermuth of Le Mars says she enjoys making the sentimental quilts and offers an explanation as to how the program got its start.
Freyermuth says the “Quilts of Valor” Foundation stipulates some specific criteria that must be met when a quilt is presented.
Another suggestion of the quilts is that they feature the American patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. Freyermuth says the local American Legion post has presented close to 30 different quilts to local veterans within the past year. Eight more quilts will be presented to veterans during a program scheduled for November 8th, just a few days prior to Veterans Day.
Local financial institutions including Primebank, Iowa State Bank of Le Mars and Remsen, American Bank of Le Mars and Remsen, Northwest Bank of Le Mars, and Northwest Iowa Credit Union of Le Mars have each contributed funding so the quilt program can continue. Each of the financial institutions are now featuring a “Quilt of Valor” inside their lobby so others can view those
quilts that have special meaning. They will remain on display leading up to the presentation program scheduled for November 8th at the St. John’s Lutheran Church. On Thursday, we will learn more about the “Quilt of Valor” that was presented to U-S Senator Joni Ernst, and the story behind of the making
of the quilt.
Part 2
(Le Mars) — On Wednesday, we learned about the “Quilts of Valor” program, and how the local Wasmer Post #241 American Legion of Le Mars has been presenting decorative and patriotic colored quilts to living veterans. Last Saturday, a “Quilt of Valor” was presented to U-S Senator Joni Ernst. The Iowa Republican Senator was most appreciative of receiving the quilt saying
it has great meaning.
The quilt that was created for Senator Ernst was created by a 15 year old 4-H member as part of a citizenship project. Ginny Freyermuth of Le Mars tells how her granddaughter, Emma Brennen, decided to make the quilt for the U-S Senator
Ernst.
With the assistance of State Representative Dr. Tom Jeneary and former state representative Ralph Klemme, they did some research and found out that Senator Ernst had not yet had a “Quilt of Valor” presented to her.
Freyermuth says the quilt pattern for the Ernst quilt is one of her
favorites, called “Standing strong.” In addition to presenting the quilt, Freyermuth’s granddaughter Emma, also presented a certificate to Senator Ernst that offers a brief commentary of the “Quilts of Valor” program.
As we heard earlier today, the American Legion intends to present eight additional quilts to area veterans during a program scheduled for Sunday, November 8th at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Le Mars, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Those quilts are currently on display at many of the banks and
financial institutions in Le Mars and Remsen.
