By Eileen Persike, Editor

1968 was a big year in U.S. history. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated, the Apollo 8 orbited the moon for the first time, the Civil Rights Act became law and the U.S. was embroiled in a war in Vietnam.

Now, 54 years after the year the National Archives calls the “Year of Turmoil and Change,” a group of friends who graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1968, has completed perhaps their final class project. It’s a way to show appreciation for their classmates who served in Vietnam and in other wars.

Carol Gowan, Linda Tillman and Judy Zarm made Quilts of Valor for their 22 classmates who served in the military. Quilts of Valor are handmade quilts awarded to service members or veterans who have been touched by war. They are a way to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice.

“I have been making Quilts of Valor as an independent individual for about eight years and had the idea for the vets in our 1968 class mulling around in my head for a couple of years,” said quilter Carol Gowan. “Bill [Vancos] was able to compile the class database of names, addresses, rank and branch of service for the class.”

Gowan, Tillman and Zarm divided up the list and began making the quilts.

“My initial goal was to complete our project by the end of 2023, however the three of us were able to complete and award all 22 quilts this year,” Gowan said.

Members of the class donated funds to cover the cost of construction, making it a true “class project.” The recipients live throughout the U.S. and abroad. Classmate Cindy Larson knitted toboggan hats for some of the vets living in cold climates.

“The reactions from the recipients have been very positive,” Gowan said. “They were surprised and honored to have their service recognized and validated, and appreciated the handmade gift.”

The first Quilt of Valor Gowan made was for a friend who was a WWII veteran. It was a treasured possession, she said, and he showed it off every chance he got.

The veteran’s Gowan met didn’t often speak of their time in the military, because they were not looked upon favorably in the past. She took the opportunity to learn more about the wars and the vets who served.

“The more I came to understand the way the Vietnam vets, in particular, were treated, the more I wanted them to know their sacrifices did not go unnoticed,” Gowan said. “I felt a sense of urgency to get the quilts done and awarded to my classmates, several of whom had already passed away.” Gowan noted that if they become aware of other members of the class who are veterans, they will make quilts for them, too.