Politics & Government

Sunset Hills Historical Society Honors Veterans

Nine World War II veterans received hand made quilts and plaques at Monday night's meeting.

Two years ago Sunset Hills Historical Society President Joyce Franklin was contacted by a lady who had recently bought a quilting machine. She wanted to quilt with a purpose. Franklin knew exactly what that purpose should be—honoring Sunset Hills’ World War II veterans.

“We got recycled brand fabric for nothing, and I’ve given out 150 quilts for the past two years to World War II veterans,” Franklin said.

Franklin started with giving female veterans, and at Monday’s Historical Society meeting, nine more quilts were given out to male vets.

Find out what's happening in Sunset Hills-Crestwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

John Judd, district director from Senator Jim Lembke’s office, was present to hand out plaques to each of the recipients.

“I am very pleased and proud to be here tonight to honor the veterans of World War II and I’ve brought a senate resolution for each of the nine honorees tonight,” Judd said. “It would be an honor for me to read the resolution at this time.”

Find out what's happening in Sunset Hills-Crestwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After reading the plaques, Judd said that it was an honor and privilege to be at the meeting.

“We look forward to coming back and being with you. This is the best group we have here in Sunset Hills,” he said.

One of the three surviving female veterans also was present at the meeting. Naomi Dill was an army nurse. She and her husband were both in the military.

“When she went into the military they had to conscript military and ships because we didn’t have a fighting military at that time,” Franklin said.  

Dill served in Europe for two years, traveling over on the Queen Mary. She met her husband in England.

“I didn’t see him for 2 to 3 years, but when I came back I thought I should look him up,” Dill said. “My son flies the Blackhawk helicopters and was in Iraq for 15 months—he now has to go back.”

The meeting continued with the vets standing and sharing their stories of service.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Sunset Hills-Crestwood