A unique quilt designed by partners of veterans of the Vietnam War is now on display at the Melton Library.
The Melton Love, Peace and Unity Quilt was completed by a group of women in 2006, all of whom had loved ones that served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War, which stretched across two decades from the ’50s to the ’70s.
The project was launched by the Partners of Veterans Association (PVA) national project team and inspired women in Melton to form their own branch, as a means of creating a space where they could catch up and support one another.
The colourful textile is known at the Melton Love, Peace and Unity Quilt and features original designs from each contributor.
PVA Melton branch member Carole Doyle played a central role in the project as she was one of the only members with a sewing machine.
“The only criteria we wanted is for the girls to put down what peace, love and unity meant to them, what made them happy, and do their own squares,” she said.
“I’m hoping that people [who see the quilt] will understand that when husbands go away to fight for their country they leave behind wives and family and children, and when they come home they’re the ones that pick up the pieces,” she said.
“We’re the ones that support them and get them through.”
She said the quilt project had created a plethora of friendships that have continued to this day.
“It’s amazing, they’re non judgemental and we all understand what each other’s been through,” she said.
“We’ve all got so much knowledge, so it’s lovely to be able to sit down with them for a cup of tea.
“It’s not always sad things, we laugh a lot too.”
