Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Myron Re of Marty's Goldenaires fills out several cards for the celebration of 100 years of service Thursday evening. The Washington Elementary Schools, the Bessemer Woman's Club and the Bessemer American Legion Post 27/American Legion Auxiliary Unit 27 all started in 1919 and were recognized.
By KIM E. STROM
Bessemer - To be given a Quilt of Valor is an honor because it is not a gift, said Pauline Borgmen of the organization Quilts of Valor Foundation, it is an award that is earned, she said.
Two veterans were awarded the quilts on Thursday as part of a celebration of 100 years of service of three different local entities: The Washington Elementary School in Bessemer, the Bessemer American Legion Post 27/American Legion Auxiliary Unit 27, and the Bessemer Women's Club.
Earlier in the day, a quilt was awarded to Charles Tirpik, and that evening Donna Frello received the honor as well.
According Borgmen, the three layers of the quilt hold much significance. The top with its many colors stands for the many different communities and individuals that make up the country. The filling stands for the warmth, comfort and peace the giver hopes to bestow on the receiver, and the backing is the strength of the quilt and represents the strength of the recipient and those who have supported him or her.
The three-tiered meaning of the layers goes further - honor for service, the fact that freedom is not free and the comfort it is meant to give, she said.
The presentation of the quilts was a small part of the 100-year celebration festivities. During the event 100 cards to veterans were being filled out. The singing of the National Anthem by the choir of Bessemer Area Schools preceded both quilt presentations. And each organization celebrating 100 years of service received tribute certificates commemorating the event.
