Three WWII Vets Honored at Centennial Dinner
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| Joe Rahl, WWII veteran and Co. 5 past captain (1948-49; 1954-56), received his quilt from QOV and Co. 5 member, Nancy Olson. Joe (87) served as a career member of the Hamden Fire Department from 1956 until his retirement in 1989. (Photo courtesy of Frank Fowler) |
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One of the highlights of our
Centennial Dinner, held on Veteran's Day 2011, was the recognition of those
members, past and present, who have served in the armed services of the
United States.
A very special part of the evening's program
honored three veterans of World War II, all former members of the Mt.
Carmel Volunteer Fire Co.
Nancy Olson, representing the local
chapter of Qulits of Valor, presented quilts to WWII veterans, Bill
Bossoli, Joe Rahl and Don Steele, with a deeply moving message printed below:
"Throughout our country's history there has been
a long tradition of wartime quilting. We read of women sending their husbands,
sons and brothers off to war with a quilt. This gift served many purposes: it
provided warmth, shelter and comfort. It was a reminder of home, the people who
loved them and that they were in the thoughts and prayers of many.
"This Quilt of Valor, made for you, is intended to serve these same purposes FOR
YOU. We want you to know that we care, that you are in our thoughts and prayers
and we hope this quilt will give you comfort and warmth.
"Quilts of Valor (QOVF.org) is a foundation established in 2003 by Catherine Roberts of Delaware.
Her hope was to be able to cover each of our wounded with a Quilt of Valor.
Since 2003 over 57000 Quilts of Valor have been made and presented; some
through the major treatment centers such as Walter Reed and Brook Army Medical,
through smaller or more local VA centers and facilities or through personal
contact. We are hoping to someday cover all our service people. It is our way
to thank those who receive them for their service and the sacrifice that they
have made.
"We hope your Quilt of Valor will become a valued part of your story
and will be passed on to future generations as a reminder of that time in
history when you served and what was going on in the world at that time.
"On this Veterans Day. we, the members of Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Company Co. 5
thank you, a member of America’s Greatest Generation, for your service. We wish
you Godspeed!"
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| Nancy Olson presents a quilt to WWII veteran Don Steele, seated next to his son, Tim. Don (92) is a past captain of Co. 5. Tim joined the company in 1964 and is a past lieutenant. |
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| Nancy presents a quilt to WWII veteran and Co. 5 alumnus Bill Bossoli. Bill (92) also served as a career member of the Hamden Fire Department from 1950 to 1956. |
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