SF Man Sews 'Quilts Of Honor' For Local Vets
by Phil McIlrath, KDLT News
July 11, 2012 9:02 PM
They're the men that fought so we would have the right to vote, free speech and countless other freedoms we take for granted in our daily lives as Americans. Now one Veteran is honoring his fellow veteran brothers with a gift of remembrance he creates stitch-by-stitch.
In a small room, ten fingers, a needle, thread and a sharp eye make something special.
"At least here they're being utilized,"said Casey Hermanson.
Hermanson is turning old uniforms, from the armed forces, into quilts for those who fought for our freedom.
"I call this still serving,"said Hermanson. He's been retired from the Air Force for quite a few years, but he's taken on a new mission.
"It's one of these things that we're getting a chance to honor them and show that there are people out there who care,"said Hermanson.
After thousands of stitches, hours of cutting and assembling, his work is given to someone more than deserving.
"I was out of words. I didn't know what to say,"said Marlyn Sisson, a Korean War veteran.
Sisson didn't know what to say, only what he would do. Sisson is now 84 years old and still remembers while at the tender age of 23, living in a prisoner of war camp in Korea for 28 months, 3 weeks and 5 days.
"In 1951 I'd have given a million dollars for it,"said Sisson. "There were 10 guys in a 10 foot square room and a blanket for two of us. That's all that kept us warm."
For Howard Moe, who served 8 years in the Navy, he's equally touched. "I wish my wife was here to see this,"said Moe.
A warm gesture, wrapping Moe, Sisson and Hermanson together in a common bond of brotherhood.
"Sometimes they get forgotten about, and the friendship I've made with Marlyn has been great. I love coming over and chatting with them. I get an opportunity to show them that somebody is still out there,"said Hermanson.
Hermanson's helping to repay a price many take for granted with friendship, and some faded fabric. He is always looking for donations of uniforms. If you would like to donate some you can email him at: kcsjunk@sio.midco.net
-Phil McIlrath
p_mcilrath@kdlt.com
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