Honor The Fallen Memorial Quilt Display
The primary objective of our foundation is to create an "Honor The Fallen" memorial quilt display that will travel throughout the United States. This memorial display will be comprised of individual memorial quilt panels that are created by friends and families of those who have died in the war on terror. Each quilt panel will be 3' x 6' in size. These panels will be sewn together to form a 12' x 12' section. Each of these 12' x 12' sections will have a total of eight panels included. Once we have enough panels, we will begin our tour across the United States. People from all over the country will have an opportunity to view each panel and learn about the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
History has proven that It will take several years before a static memorial display will be made to honor all of those who have died fighting the war on terror. The "Honor The Fallen" memorial quilt display will be an important step in achieving the goal of creating a static memorial display. In order for this to happen, we will need the help of the families who have lost loved ones, the volunteers who are the backbone of our foundation, and any American willing to contribute to the success of this project. We encourage all of you to learn more about this quilting project by reading the following page.
Reflections of a mother
Over the years
as a seamstress and quilt maker, my son Kristofor Stonesifer always took
an interest in what I was making. Maybe he was just humoring me, but it
delighted me that he would ask for a tour of my studio to see what colors
had captured my imagination. On his last visit home, I covertly showed
him the fabrics I planned to use in a quilt for him. It was my motherly
way of making sure he liked the concept before I proceeded to surprise
him.
Four
months later, my world fell apart when he was killed in a Black Hawk crash
in Pakistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. My studio remained dark with
my son's quilt fabrics lying dormant and untouched as I fought hard to return
to what remained of my life.
Now I plan a different type of quilt using those same fabrics. This quilt
is to memorialize Kris' amazing life instead of keeping him warm at night,
but my heart does not know the difference.
As I work through the process, I am transported back in time, imagining Kris'
warm smile approving at every stage. I feel his presence; just like the day
he stood next to the fabrics I am sure he had already guessed were earmarked
for him.
At
first I worry I would not have enough to fill the huge 3 by 6 foot space
of this panel, only to find there isn't enough fabric in the whole world
to tell my son's story properly.
My son challenged himself everyday to learn and grow. I have endeavored
to pick up that same gauntlet. My participation with Honor the Fallen
Foundation and this memorial project, gives me another positive direction
on my journey in this life without Kris. One that I am sure he would endorse
me taking.
- Ruth Stonesifer 
*Ruth Stonesifer is an experienced quilter who has recently contacted Honor The Fallen Foundation to inform us of the quilt she is making for her son, Kris Stonesifer. Ruth has offered to help other families who are making quilt panels. She has written detailed instructions on making a quilt panel. Please click here to see an example of the quilt she is making for her son and to learn some amazing steps to making a quilt panel. You can learn more about her son by visiting the wonderful website she created for Kris. Thank you Ruth for providing this information.
How to create a panel for Honor the Fallen Memorial Quilt Display:
We would like to thank you for taking the time to learn how to create a panel to honor the memory of your loved one. The memorial panel you create will be a personal tribute honoring your loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation. Each memorial panel will be viewed by many people who will learn about the type of person your panel was created for. It is our intention that each memorial quilt will honor the contribution that he/she made for our country.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to create a panel that will preserve the memory of your loved one. To guide you in this process we have put together some steps that will assist you in creating a quilt panel. Some of you have e-mailed us to see if there was a deadline for making a panel. There is no deadline. This is an ongoing project, so take your time and finish your panel when you can. If you need help with your panel or would like our volunteer quilter's to make it for you, please contact us.
***To help us determine how many of you are actually planning on creating a memorial quilt panel, we are asking if you could please e-mail us to let us know. This would really help us in our planning stages for the first memorial quilt display. Please e-mail us at: support@honorthefallen.org
Click here to print a copy of 'how to create a panel'
STEP 1: DESIGNING YOUR PANEL
Each panel should be made for one individual only. However, one individual could have as many panels made for them. We would like to encourage others to make panels (such as coworkers, friends, etc.). When making the panel, please include their name, date of birth and death, their hometown, their branch, rank, and any pertinent information you feel would describe the individual better. Feel free to provide photos, medals, unit patches, and any other items you think would be appropriate for the panel.
Sketch a design for your panel to help you visualize how it will look after it is sewn together. If you are having trouble coming up with a design, we have provided templates to assist you with the basic layout. We also have quilt makers standing by to create panels if you would like us to help you. If you would like us to build your panel, fill out the panel submission form and send us anything you would like to include in the panel. You may also include written instructions for any special requests for your panel.
STEP 2: CHOOSING YOUR FABRIC (click here to order a free 3' x 6' panel backing)
While creating the panel may seem a little overwhelming, we recommend that you follow these instructions closely to avoid any problems you may encounter. The first thing you will need to do is select the fabric you will use for the panel. Try and use fabric that is non-stretchable, durable, and will withstand the rigors of being folded and unfolded several times.
The actual completed size of your panel needs to be 3 feet by 6 feet in dimension. We will not be able to accept panels larger than this size because they will not fit in the completed quilt blocks (12' x 12'). The orientation of your panel can be either vertical or horizontal. Prior to cutting out your fabric, leave a few inches on all sides to make a hem. To form the hem, fold the extra fabric a few times and then sew. If you are unable to sew a hem, you may leave this step out and we will sew it for you. Since your panel will be laid on the ground, it is recommended that you use some kind of fabric backing. This will protect the panel and help maintain its shape. If you do not have fabric for your panel, we can provide it for you. You can place your order for a 3' x 6' panel backing in this step.
STEP 3: CREATING YOUR PANEL
After you have chosen your design and selected your fabric, it is now time to create your panel. We have provided various techniques that may help you with this step.
• Patches:
Apply unit patches, flags, insignias, nametags, and other items by sewing
onto fabric by hand or with a sewing machine. Do not rely on any kinds of
glue for attaching your items. Glue will not hold well over time.
• Photos: You have several options for transferring
photos onto fabric. The most economical is to purchase an iron-on transfer
kit. You can find these in most office supply stores and arts and crafts stores.
Use 100% cotton fabric, which works best. Sew the finished piece onto your
panel. Another option is to put your photo behind clear vinyl and then sew
it onto the panel.
• Paint: If you would like to paint onto your fabric,
use special fabric paints to do so. We found a very useful product for this
at www.simplyspray.com. The Simply Spray Company offers a variety of color
spray paints that are perfect for this type of use. You may also find these
supplies in most arts and craft stores.
• Stencils: Stencils are very effective when used with
spray paints or brushes. You may also trace a design onto your fabric and
then paint or use indelible markers to create your artwork. Stencils are an
excellent way to apply letters.
• Embroidery: This is a very creative and permanent
way to apply letters. If you do not have access to an embroidery machine,
there are plenty of companies who offer this service. Use embroidery for poems,
names, and other designs. You can get wonderful detailed designs using embroidery.
• Iron-On Letters: These are very useful for applying
letters and other shapes to fabric. There are a lot of companies who sell
iron-on letter kits and a wide selection of shapes. The Dutch Trade Industry
offers a very nice selection of iron-on letter kits and shapes (www.dutchtradeshop.com).
These are just a few
ideas for creating your memorial panel. If you have any questions about making
a panel, please give us a call (530-750-2005) or email us at: support@honorthefallen.org.
Memorial Dedication Biography:
Please provide
a one-page biography about the person you are creating the quilt panel for.
Tell us a little about this person, for example:
1. where they grew up
2. your relationship to them
3. their favorite hobbies and activities
4. branch of military or government service
5. types of awards and decorations
6. your favorite memories and moments
We would also like to
ask if you would send at least three photographs of your loved one. You may
submit photographs in high-resolution digital format on a CD. These photos
may become part of our slide show presentation we hope to play at all quilt
displays. Keep in mind, we will not be returning these photos, so please make
extra copies.
Memorial Panel Creator Information Form:
To help us maintain a
complete database for all panels submitted to Honor The Fallen Foundation,
we would like to request that you complete a panel creator information form.
This form will be used to contact you about memorial display locations, media
requests for interviews (if you wish), and other important information. Please
call or e-mail us to have this form mailed to you, or download a copy of the
form in PDF format.
-
Click here
to complete the form online in PDF format.
- Click here to download
a copy of the form in PDF format to fill-in by hand.
Submitting Your Panel Display:
Keep in mind, we can only accept panels that are 3' x 6' in size. After you complete your memorial panel, your panel will now be ready for submission to our foundation. There are a few ways this can be done.
1. You may send your panel to our main office by U.S.P.S. registered mail, UPS, FEDEX, or other carriers with tracking capabilities. Please address the package to:
Attn: Quilt Panel
Dept.
Honor The Fallen Foundation
1949 5th St. Suite 110
Davis, CA 95616
530-750-1844
2. You may also bring your completed memorial panel to one of our “Honor The Fallen” memorial quilt displays. As soon as we have enough panels submitted, we will begin posting tour dates and schedules on our website. You will be able to access this information by visiting our U.S. Tour Display Schedule. At each of our memorial quilt displays, we will offer a special memorial panel acceptance ceremony to honor your loved one. This information will be located on our schedule link when it becomes available.
One Final Note: Prior to submitting your memorial panel, please be sure to include the following items with your panel:
• A completed Panel
Creator Information Form.
• At least 3 photos of your loved one in digital format or print film.
• A memorial dedication biography.
• Any special requests you have for your panel.
What Happens Next:
Once our quilt panel department receives your memorial panel, they will inspect your panel to see if it needs any extra attention. This may include repairing or sewing hems, checking for durability, reinforcing backing, etc. After your panel is inspected, we will assign a special identification number to your panel. This will allow us to track your panel for all quilt displays and maintain inventory control. When the check-in process is completed, we will send you a notification card or e-card to inform you that your panel arrived safely and is ready to be added to our quilt display. Once your panel is incorporated into the quilt display, you will be able to track its location on line. You will also be able to view your panel online once we have that option available.
Your panel will then be grouped with other panels. We will group by geographical region, branch of service, or country/region of death. If you would like to request your panel be grouped with specific individual panels, please state this in the Panel Creator Information Form. If you would like to group your panel with several service members, you may call in to coordinate this prior to sending in your quilt. We will do our best to work with you to ensure your panel is grouped with fellow service members who are from the same unit.
When we have eight panels grouped together, they will be sewn to form a 12’ x 12’ (12 ft. square) grid section. This section will make up one full panel grid. The panel grid will be lined with canvas and assigned a special identifying number. The grid number will be used for tracking all individuals in that group. At this time, all information that you provide us along with the grid number will be entered into our memorial panel database. Once this step has been completed, we will send you “Panel Creator Information Packet”. This packet will include the panel grid number that was assigned to your panel; instructions for requesting that grid panel for upcoming memorial quilt displays, along with future display schedules.
The complete process may
take several weeks, so please be patient with us as we do our best to incorporate
your panel into our memorial quilt display. d to honoring the memory of the
brave men and women have died defending our country.
If we have any questions about your panel, we will be contacting you using
the information you provide us at the time of panel submission. If you have
any questions about creating a panel or the processing of a panel, please
give us a call at 530-750-2005 or send us an e-mail.
It is our honor to display
your loved one’s memorial panel across the nation; therefore, we would
like to thank you for taking the time to create a panel in memory of those
who have given so much for our freedom. committed to honoring the memory of
the brave men and women have died defending our country.
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