Quilt presentation honours Vietnam veteran

Bourke Vietnam Veteran Victor Bartley receiving his ‘Quilt of Valour’ from Laticia Hollman. Photo: Beverley Callow

Story and photo by Beverley Callow

Vietnam veteran Victor Bartley had a surprise at his home this week with a presentation of handmade quilt, on behalf of Quilts of Valour Australia in recognition of his army service.

Queensland Representative, Laticia Hollman presented the quilt to Mr Bartley, saying it was made “with love” to acknowledge his “valour, service and sacrifice” for Australia.

She explained that the quilt’s colours, shapes and fabrics represented “the communities and individuals we are”, while the wadding represented “warmth, comfort, peace and healing”. Each stitch, she said, represented “love, gratitude and sometimes the tears of the makers.”

Laticia said that Quilts of Valour had been trying to organise this for two years and finally achieved it.

Mr Bartley, who joined the army in 1968 and served in Vietnam, was humble about the honour.

“I can’t get my head around the valour part,” he said. […]

Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week or purchase and download a digital edition here.