A tribute to the fallen

They are brothers and sisters, sons and daughters - sometimes mothers and fathers. The passing of the fallen Afghanistan veterans is a moving experience for those who stand on the bridges.

Kim and Wendy Carr have been among the bridge people, and they wanted to do more. Last September they decided to create a Highway of Heroes Quilt. For the past four months the mother and daughter team have sewn a single poppy square for every soldier who has died in the conflict since 2002. Wendy sewed each of the many poppies. Kim added the names of each soldier in script. The poppy squares were sewn together to create a powerful reminder of the cost of war.

Wendy thought they had completed the quilt in December but five more soldiers died late in the month and the quilt was re-worked with new squares added. Fortunately they had enough material. They ran out of the red at one point but Kim found some more in the U.S. through an internet search. The women estimate it took 100 hours to complete the massive project. The quilt records the soldiers who died between 2002 and 2009.

There were few dry eyes in the Salem Church hall when Rev. Anja Guignon delivered the blessing which reflected on loss and hope.

The quilt will soon find a permanent home in the Warkworth Legion. Joyce Nickerson, 1st Vice in the Warkworth Branch says the Legion will have the quilt recorded as a historic artifact, one that will be looked upon in 100 years. There will be a dedication service when it will be placed on a memorial wall.