Massachusetts State Grange
Veterans Committee
The Veterans Committee reflects the Grange’s long-standing commitment to community service by honoring and supporting those who have served our country. Through programs such as Quilts of Valor and donating to veterans’ organizations, Granges across Massachusetts have the opportunity to show their appreciation and make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families.
Quilts of Valor Program
At the annual State Grange Session, quilts are presented to veterans who are Grange members and non-members. The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” To nominate someone to receive this honor, submit the veteran’s name and branch of service served to the Veterans Committee Director. If chosen, the person submitting the nomination will be contacted to gather more information about the veteran’s service and make arrangements for the recipient to attend the Veterans Program on Friday of the State Session.
Contributing Quilts
Quilters who wish to make a quilt for this program can contact the Veterans Committee Director. Guidelines from the Quilt of Valor Foundation website include:
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Fabric used should be high quality 100% “shirt-weight” or “quilt-weight” cotton fabric appropriate for adults.
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While Quilts of Valor do not have to be red, white, and blue, most recipients, given a choice, choose quilts that are patriotic in theme.
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Patterns and blocks can be of any design suitable for a patriotic theme.
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Use of military-branch-specific fabrics (Army, Navy, etc.) or non-“patriotic” fabric (overly floral), unless the recipient is known in advance, may create difficulty in identifying a recipient.
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A Quilt of Valor is to be large enough to cover an average-sized adult, with an ideal size approximately 60” x 80.” Finished size can be no smaller than 55” x 65” and no larger than 72” x 90.”
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A Quilt of Valor consists of a top, batting, and backing, and must be machine-quilted or hand-quilted. A tied quilt is not acceptable for a Quilt of Valor.
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Backings provided to volunteer QOVF-registered longarmers must be 4” larger than the quilt top on all sides (8” wider in width and 8” longer in length than the top).
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Quilts returned from the longarmer will still need to be bound and a ‘Quilt of Valor’ label (supplied by the QoV group) will need to be completed and sewn on the back.
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Not required, but very useful for the recipient, a ‘presentation case’ (pillow case) can be made for the quilt.
Local Grange Presentations
Community and Pomona Granges are encouraged to conduct their own Quilts of Valor presentations on the local level. Grange members who would not be able to attend State Session and non-members from your community would be delighted to be honored.
For names of veterans, contact the local veteran agent or American Legion post. If there are no quilters in your Grange, the Quilt of Valor state coordinator for Massachusetts, Theresa Perreault, will be able to help you get quilts. If you have any questions about organizing a presentation, contact the Veterans Committee Director or Theresa Perreault.