Quilt of Valor Presented to Frank Leonardo

HARPERSFIELD – They call it the civilian equivalent to the Purple Heart provides community, warmth, and strength and is created with love, gratitude, and sometimes tears. It is the Quilt of Valor, sewn by caring hands for someone who has served with honor, performed their duty and helped to ensure the freedom we have today.

A trio of Colonel Harper Grange members worked together over the summer to create their first Quilt of Valor and on Nov. 19 they  awarded to Frank Leonardo, during a special veterans ceremony at the grange. Leonardo served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965. He was stationed at Bangor, Main and Dover, Delaware.

Marianne Ciulla, Priscilla Marigliano, and Pat Hornbeck, all members of the grange, worked on the quilt as a way to honor our service members and veterans affected by war. It was Hornbeck who came up with the idea and quilting buddies Ciulla and Marigliano didn't hesitate. They were on board immediately. "I always wanted to do one," said Ciulla.

"This quilt brings you a three-part message from our hearts: honor, freedom and comfort," said Ciulla. "First, we honor you for your service to our country in the Air Force." Honor for leaving behind all he held dear to stand in harm's way during a time of crises and protecting the rest from the effects of war.

"Next, we know that freedom is not free," continued Ciulla. "The cost of our freedom is the dedication of lives of men and women like you, and this quilt means to say 'Thank You' for your sacrifices.

And finally, she said, "The quilt is to provide him comfort and remind him that although your family and friends cannot always be with you, you are forever in all our thoughts and our hearts.

Leonardo, who is a fellow grange member, is also a member of the American Legion and is "always very patriotic."

Marigliano talked about the origin of the Quilt of Valor. The founder describes them as the civilian equivalent of a Purple Heart. Catherine Roberts founded the project as a way of thinking of servicemen wrapped in a quilt rather than engaged in combat while her son was deployed in Iraq. She described her situation as "10 seconds away from a panic attack 24 hours a day. The quilts became her mission and more than 250,000 quilts have been awarded in the United States and abroad. 

The quilts are awarded, not just handed out. It says Thank You for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation. "This is not a charity quilt; it is not a blanket. It has three layers held together by the stitches. Think of the layers in this way. The top of the quilt with its many colors, shapes and fabrics represents the many individuals and communities we are in.

"The batting material is the filler at the center of the  quilt that provides warmth. It represents the hope that this recipient, and the support of their families, our communities and our nation.  Each stitch that holds the layers together represents love, gratitude, and sometimes the tears of the makers."

Hornbeck said that with the awarding of the quilt, it became his story. "We hope you will keep them as tangible reminders that there are many millions of women and men across the land who are forever in your debt, and that it was our pleasure to honor you with this Quilt of Valor. Thank you again for your service to our country and for participating in our ceremony.

In addition to Leonardo, the grange acknowledged, recognized and thanked the other veterans present, including:

Frank Ciulla, who served from 1963-1965 in the United States Army. An infantryman. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, "Guarding the Boarders of Georgia." He was honorably discharged in 1965.

Lenny Marigliano served from 1961 -1965 in the United States Air Force, stationed in Texas, Maine, and the Philippines. He was a second class airman and was honorably discharged in 1966.

Tom Hornbeck served from 1975-1979 in the United States Navy. He was a Gunner's Mate stationed at Norfolk, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. He was honorably discharged in 1979.

Bill Nicholson, who served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1957 and was a staff sergeant, stationed in Texas and Mississippi. He was honorably discharged in 1957.

Also present for the special veterans ceremony was Mark Dunlap, director of the Delaware County Veterans Service Agency. He provided information about the services available to veterans through a number of programs.

Marianne Ciulla said it was a good way to remind everyone about veterans and their sacrifices. "We may do this as an ongoing project and ask others to join us. I think it is important to remind people that these veterans were once vibrant, active young men who left home and their families to protect our freedom."