Basin vets honored with quilts

MOSES LAKE — Some Basin veterans were honored Monday, not with medals or a parade, but with quilts. “Many people see beautiful quilts and admire the colors and patterns and stitching, but it is much more than fabric and thread,” said Jenn Tincher, who leads Soap Lake Freedom Quilts of Valor. “Every quilt represents countless hours of planning, cutting, piecing, quilting, binding, labeling and praying. It carries with it the hands and the hearts of us volunteers who may never have served in the military ourselves, but we want to thank you and let you know that your sacrifices have not been forgotten. Each stitch is a reminder that someone cares, someone remembers you and someone is very grateful for what you have done.” Quilts of Valor met at Grace Harvest Church in Moses Lake to present quilts to 13 Basin veterans, of whom seven were able to be present. The quilts’ designs were varied: some were simple triangle or square patterns; others had flag motifs. One quilt had stars and stripes surrounding a bald eagle with a U.S. flag behind him. Each had been created by a team of seven ladies from the area who collaborate to pick the patterns, cut the fabric and assemble them. Those are matched up with veterans who either are nominated by somebody local or reach out through the organization’s website. Once 10 or so veterans have been nominated, the quilters hold a ceremony where the