Quilts of Valor, Flag Mountain Honor Guard Receives Acts of Excellence Award From the South Dakota Hall of Fame
PIERRE, S.D.—On Saturday, April 22, 2023, the South Dakota Hall of Fame granted an Act of Excellence Award to Quilts of Valor, Flag Mountain Honor Guard in Pierre, South Dakota. The award was presented to the organization by Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, and Board Director Gerry Likness of Watertown, S.D.
The Flag Mountain Honor Guard receives Acts of Excellence Award from the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Pictured (left to right): Barb Vankeerbrook, Ardys Roseland, SD Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness, and Charlene Sundstrum
The Flag Mountain Honor Guard presents over 20 quilts each year. The South Dakota Hall of Fame paid special tribute to Ardys Roseland for her long-standing membership in the group and for making the most quilts, as well as recognizing co-leaders Barb Vankeerbrook and Charlene Sundstrom.
The Quilts of Valor’s mission is to make and award quilts to provide comfort and healing to veterans and active service members. The quilts acknowledge the wounds, both seen and unseen, of veterans and appreciation for the personal sacrifices they have made in protecting our freedoms and guarding our homeland.
The Flag Mountain Honor Guard poses with Board Director Gerry Likness and a recent quilt project.
The Quilts of Valor, Flag Mountain Honor Guard began in Pierre, S.D. in 2018 by Janet Kay Livermont whose passion for quilting and veterans led her to start the local chapter of the national Quilts of Valor project. The Pierre chapter grew from nine charter members to 40 active members at its height. Presently, 22 members comprise the organization, and it is open to anyone who wishes to make quilts to honor veterans. Separate groups are now branching out in Mitchell and Huron with the hope that chapters continue to spread throughout the state.
Quilt tops are being made by Flag Mountain Honor Guard members with a volunteer long-armer in Watertown and in other locations, along with members who have their own long-arm machines. Patterns are chosen by each member. Quilting costs, including fabric and sewing supplies, are approximately $250 per quilt, with volunteer labor of approximately 150 hours per quilt.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Laurie Becvar, Ed.D., M.A.
CEO, South Dakota Hall of Fame
605-682-4239
lbecvar@sdhalloffame.org
ABOUT THE ACTS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
The South Dakota Hall of Fame is a 501c3 organization designed to Honor, Inspire, and Educate. The Hall’s mission is to Champion a Culture of Excellence and the SD Hall of Fame lives out its mission through its programming, including the Acts of Excellence Program. Twelve organizations or individuals have been chosen for their Acts of Excellence in 2023.