July 2, 2021                   The American Cemetery @ Omaha Beach, France

        On July 4th, the USA will celebrate our Independence Day, when we separated from the British Empire in 1776.  However, we're not celebrating our independence from helping other countries keep their own independence.  We have come to Britain and France and many other countries' assistance in times of war and oppression.  Land of the free, home of the brave.  But not all are free, even in America.  We who can, need to do our utmost to ensure all who live here can feel free and brave.  Lots of work to be done to make that happen.

        I took the photo above during a special trip to Germany, the Netherlands, and France some years ago.  My son and I took his teenage son to see several WWII battle sites and cities that have captivated the imagination of so many of my grandson's generation.  Visiting the city of Berlin and the expanse of Omaha beach were particularly moving experiences.        

          This is the closest I have come to making a 'traditional' red/white/blue quilt in honor of our country.  Different from many quilts I have completed [this one in 2013], it represents some of the patriotism I felt as an American, as a quilt artist.  Like most of my quilts, it was donated - and I trust it is still keeping someone warm when warmth is needed. 

        July 4th, 2021 will dawn in a much different world from the one in which this quilt was created.  The covid virus has changed our culture and that of most countries around the world.  The USA is trying to 're-open' after being shut down in varying degrees for the better part of 15 months.  I trust that some day soon we will find the freedom to live openly and safely once again - each one of us.