Winnsboro Community Honors Veterans with Heartfelt Quilts of Valor Ceremony

Winnsboro Veterans Honored with Quilts of Valor

Winnsboro, a small town with a big heart, recently dedicated a special moment to honor two local heroes. Last week, Eddie and Rusty Branham, two brothers with a shared history of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, received beautifully handcrafted Quilts of Valor as a heartfelt tribute to their military service.

A Meaningful Presentation

The quilts were presented to the brothers by Albertha Woodard, the Director of the Fairfield County Office of Veterans Affairs. The touching ceremony was made even more special by the presence of the quilts’ creator, local quilter Lee Weed, who is a friend of the Branham family. Lee carefully stitched a message into each quilt that reads: “Quilting to honor and comfort those touched by war.” As she wrapped the quilts around Eddie and Rusty, she read the inspiring quote aloud, filling the room with emotion and gratitude.

The History Behind Quilts of Valor

The Quilts of Valor Foundation was established in 2003 with a critical mission: to cover service members and veterans with comforting and healing quilts. Lee Weed, who has a passion for crafting these quilts, has previously made several for other veterans. This time, she felt compelled to create quilts specifically for Eddie and Rusty as a personal gesture of respect for their dedication and sacrifices for the country.

Meet the Veterans

Eddie Branham, now 77, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1972. His time in the service took him to various locations, including Mississippi, Alaska, and Arizona. During those years, he formed lasting friendships with fellow veterans. Each year, Eddie and some of his Air Force buddies gather for reunions, celebrating their bond forged through shared experiences. Recently, he facilitated the process for two of his friends to access veterans’ benefits through connections he made with Albertha Woodard.

Rusty Branham, 76, was drafted into the Army in 1969 amidst the tumult of the Vietnam War. “I served 11 months and 5 days in Vietnam as a gunner, driver, and tank commander of an anti-personnel carrier,” Rusty recalls. He returned home from Vietnam on November 13, 1970, and was discharged in 1971 at Ft. Hood Army Base in Texas. Rusty reflected on his experience, saying, “I was in the jungle most of the time, and we saw excitement every day. I was glad to go and serve, but I was glad to get back home. I’m just glad I made it back.”

Looking Ahead

Both Eddie and Rusty are looking forward to attending the Fairfield County Veterans Day Luncheon, scheduled for November 7, at the Boykin Recreation Center in Winnsboro. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and promises to be another lovely occasion to honor the contributions of veterans within the community.

Memorable moments like these highlight the deep appreciation and respect that communities like Winnsboro hold for those who have served. The Quilts of Valor not only provide warmth but also symbolize the gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans, ensuring that they always have a cozy reminder of their service and the love that surrounds them.