War Paint gift to National September 11
For six years Dennis and Betty Nielsen have held on to War Paint the last of the 5 original
quilts that started the project called Freedom Quilts. 5,693 quilts have been given out yet
War Paint stayed behind. It just seems like it had to go some where special but we had no
idea to where it should go to. War Paint was not meant for just one person but for all to
enjoy and understand the meaning behind this beautiful quilt. On the 5th anniversary I was
introduce to Jan Seidler Ramirez Chief a Curator and director of the National September 11,
Memorial and Museum. It was through our introduction to one another that Mrs. Ramirez asked
if we would consider letting the museum have the quilt. It would show how people could make
a difference and the impact on all that receive a quilt to comfort them. It made sense and
for the very first time Dennis and I knew that was where the quilt should go. It took over
a year too finally present War Paint to the Museum. The National September 11 Memorial and
Museum from New York City had scheduled a national tour to raise funds and create awareness
of building the museum at Ground Zero. The traveling exhibition was to honor nearly 3,000 men,
women and children that died on 9/11. One of their stops was on October 23, 2007 at
Des Moines, Ia.. The exhibition had photographs, artifacts, and a short film of what
families, responders, survivors and volunteers had to say about that day. Former NY
Governor George Pataki, Honorary Chair of the Memorial & Museum acknowledge how much
the Freedom Quilters have brought comfort to the 9/11 families.
The quilt War Paint is so special because it reflects how we felt that day. We were
united and ready to defend our country and give support to the families that were
mourning the loss of their loved one. The quilt belongs to the families of 9/11.
The quilt was finally going home to a place of honor for generations to see.
On that devastating day we all did come together to make a difference. I am so proud
of everyone having a part in this project because you helped make a difference. Because
of your donation and support, quilts have gone to families all over the world. You have
helped comfort families that need to know we have not forgotten their loved.
After the ceremony we were all invited to sign the steel bean that will be used in
construction of the museum. The quilters attending got plenty of hugs from the governor
for all the hard work we have done. Lee Ielpi a legend firefighter lost his son Jonathan
Lee Ielpi on 9/11. He spoke of his son through the pain that was still evident. He let
us know how proud he was to be with Freedom Quilts for we have touched so many all over
the world. He was truly proud that Freedom Quilts is also honoring the fallen soldiers'
families.
For more information you can contact
Betty Nielsen
13637 550th St
Fonda, Ia. 50540 or just call at 712-288-5328.
War Paint
Betty and Gov Pataki Betty and Lee Ielpi
Jan Ramirez 911 Curator-- Betty -- Diane Liepa Director Sen Harkin's office
Betty ----- Jan Ramirez Freedom Quilters attending event