Vietnam Veterans honored with Quilts of Valor in heartfelt ceremony

CHELAN — In a ceremony held Thursday, two Vietnam War veterans were honored with Quilts of Valor, recognizing their service and sacrifices decades after their return home.

Kathy and Larry Seureau, both distinguished military veterans, received handcrafted quilts from the Lake Chelan Quilts of Valor group, a local chapter of the national Quilts of Valor Foundation. The presentation took place as part of an ongoing effort to acknowledge the contributions of Vietnam-era veterans.

Tracy Shaw, representing the local Quilts of Valor group, presided over the event. "Today we honor you for your service, for leaving all you held dear to stand in harm's way in a time of crisis," Shaw said, addressing the Seureaus.

Kathy Seureau, who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Nurse Corps, served two tours in Korea and one in Vietnam. Her husband, Larry Seureau, a Master Sergeant with a background in field artillery and computer science, completed multiple tours, including two in Vietnam.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation, established in 2003, has awarded over 392,000 quilts nationwide. The organization boasts 620 groups across the country with more than 11,000 members. Washington state alone has 24 groups with over 500 members, who awarded more than 1,000 quilts last year.

In addition to the quilts, the veterans received Vietnam Veteran lapel pins, designed by the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. These pins serve as lasting mementos of the nation's gratitude.

The ceremony highlighted the unique challenges faced by Vietnam veterans upon their return. "Unlike veterans of today who are welcomed home, the Vietnam veterans returned home to a nation in turmoil and the vast majority received no recognition for their service or welcome home ceremonies," Shaw noted.

As the quilts were presented, Shaw emphasized their significance: "These quilts are meant to comfort. We hope that you will keep these quilts with you as a tangible reminder that no matter where you served, you have never been forgotten."

The Lake Chelan Quilts of Valor group, formed in April 2023, is part of a larger movement to ensure that veterans, particularly those from the Vietnam era, receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve.