Governor Jim Pillen is encouraging Nebraskans to reflect on the nation’s founding as America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. The governor unveiled a special display at the State Capitol Thursday featuring a handmade 250-star quilt, a life-sized reproduction of the Declaration of Independence and more than a dozen Quilts of Valor honoring military veterans.
Pillen says the display offers visitors a chance to reconnect with the nation’s history. “The Declaration of Independence is one of our most important and sacred documents. It takes about 10 minutes to read. I encourage Nebraskans to take the time to look at it and think about what freedom means to each of us.”
The commemorative quilt was created by 73 members of the Lincoln Quilters Guild and will remain on display in the Governor’s Reception Room through the end of July before being raffled to benefit the Purple Heart Auxiliary.
Guild President Lianne Connelly says the organization also donates hundreds of quilts each year to children, people experiencing homelessness and others in need. More than a dozen Quilts of Valor are also on display in the Legislative Chamber. Kay Hoff, who represents the Quilts of Valor Foundation in Lincoln, says each quilt is a lasting expression of appreciation for veterans.
“A Quilt of Valor is not just a blanket. It is a message,” Hoff says. “It is a physical sign of gratitude, a way of saying the service of our veterans has not been forgotten.” During the ceremony, Governor Pillen also recognized York High School student Kaewyn Robison, the only Nebraska winner in the national America’s Field Trip contest.
Robison says Nebraska’s history inspired the poem that earned a national second-place award. The displays are part of Nebraska’s ongoing America 250 celebration and will remain open to Capitol visitors through the end of the month.
(Photo: KLIN’s Chris Lofgreen)