BIG SPRING, TX — Wilburn Lambeth, retired U.S. Navy veteran, was presented with a Quilt of Valor, at Lamun Lusk Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home on Memorial Day. During WWII Lambeth served on the Destroyer. He was recalled to serve in Korea. During his service, he also served on the USS McDermut.
“I feel so blessed that God granted me this time and experience with Dad,” Sharon Lambeth, daughter of Wilburn Lambeth, said. “Receiving the Quilt of Valor was a humbling and overwhelming emotional experience … to be honored with the quilt on Memorial Day with all the festivities; the car show, the flyover, food and most of all the veterans, staff and friends at Lamun Lusk Sanchez was incredible.”
A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” The Mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.
The quilts are made up of three layers: the top with its many colors, shapes and fabrics represent the community and the many individuals we are; the batting – filler – is the center of the quilt, its warmth. It represents the hope that the quilt will bring warmth, comfort, peace and healing to the individual who receives it.
The backing is the final layer and it represents strength that supports the other layers. It represents the strength of the recipient, the support of his or her family, communities and nation. Each of the stitches holding the layers together represent love, gratitude and sometimes the tears of the maker. Each quilt represents the three-part message from the givers to the recipient.
“It was beautiful to see my Grandpa honored in this way. He is such a humble man and doesn’t talk about his time of service,” Sarah Salameh, granddaughter of Lambeth said.
Before dispersing, attendees passed by Lambeth, touched the quilt and showed their gratitude for his service.
“It was good to serve for such wonderful people,” Lambeth said.
(Photos and information provided by Amanda Duforat)
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