My Fourth of July Childhood Memories
Independence Day has always been a big holiday in my family, especially when I was growing up. Many of my favorite childhood memories center around the Fourth of July.
When I was a little girl, we always drove down to my grandparents' house in Bakersfield, CA. We spent most of our holidays down there and that was my favorite place on earth. Those holidays were the times when my whole family was together - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. I will always remember ooing and aahing in their front yard while we set off fireworks; running in circles around strobe lights, and making beautiful patterns with the sparklers. Watermelon, potato salad, burgers, corn on the cob and hot dogs...
I think many of us probably have memories that we look back on as, "the perfect moment" and for me, those times when my family was all gathered together for a holiday top the list. They didn't last long enough.
Some family members moved to other states. Grandpa passed away, grandma sold the house and slowly the glue that had held us all together seemed to disappear.
We all have different memories and feelings associated with the Fourth of July, some good, some not so good. We are all free to celebrate it how we choose or not celebrate it at all.
Regardless of how each of us feels about the holiday, it holds the same meaning for us all: To serve as a reminder of the freedoms that we have in this country and the sacrifices that have been made by so many in order to give us those freedoms and preserve them.
Honoring Veterans Through Quilting
One way that I love to give back is through quilting! I was introduced to a group through my mom, called the Quilts of Valor® Foundation. My mom joined the local chapter when we lived in Colorado, and I got to visit with her once. It was here that I got to sew together my very first quilt blocks!
Members of Quilts of Valor® create beautiful patriotic-themed quilts that are presented to veterans as small gifts of appreciation for their service. I had the privilege of being present while two beautiful quilts were awarded to two different veterans when I visited the group with my mom a few months back - the ceremony was such a beautiful way to show a tiny bit of appreciation to veterans who have sacrificed so much so that we could maintain our freedoms!
How You Can Get Involved
If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, here are a few ways to support our veterans through Quilts of Valor®:
1. You can make and donate a quilt. You can find instructions and guidelines for the quilts that they accept here.
2. Join a group. You can find a list of local chapters here. If there's not a group in your area, consider starting one!
3. Nominate a veteran. Fill out the form here to nominate a veteran to be awarded with a Quilt of Valor®.
4. Make a monetary donation. Programs like this cost money to operate, so monetary donations are important! If you'd like to make a donation, you can do so here.
There are still more ways to participate- simply check out their website to learn more at www.qovf.org.
Free Printable Patriotic Bookmarks
I had grand intentions of creating a collection of patriotic-themed Bible verse quilt squares in time for the 4th of July this year, but I ran out of time, as seems to happen to me a LOT! So, instead, I created a set of three printable patriotic-themed Bible verse bookmarks, which you can download for free by signing up for my email newsletter, here.
What Are Some Other Ways to Support Our Veterans?
Do you support veterans in other ways—through quilting, community groups, or acts of service? I’d love to hear how you give back. Share your ideas in the comments!
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
-Galatians 5:1