Branson, MO (November 10, 2010) -- While attending Branson Veterans Week . . . David Bancroft, USA Patriotism! founder, (fifth from right) had the solemn honor of meeting Gold Star parents (see below) of sons who are on the heart touching, inspiring Lost Heroes Art Quilt by Julie Feingold (left to David Bancroft).

Everyone in photo from left to right (GSM refers to Gold Star Mom)...
Evelyn Fox (friend of Nancy Hecker), WWII Navy veteran (unnamed), Linda Barry (GSM), Shirley Hemenway (GSM), Julie Fiengold, David Bancroft, Bill and Nancy Hecker (GSM); and, Al and Johnnie Chandler (GSM)

Their sons are among the 82 fallen heroes reflecting the diversity of America – 50 in the center of the Quilt representing each state in the U.S. and 32 around the border. A photograph and poignant words describing each hero's unique personality, interests, dreams and hopes appear around each hero's square on the Quilt, permanently memorializing each life.

On the bottom row of the Quilt, beneath all of the heroes, Ms. Feingold has silk-screened the words to the third verse of “America the Beautiful,” which was written by Catherine Lee Bates when she stood on top of Pikes Peak in 1893.

“The ‘Lost Heroes Art Quilt' honors and remembers those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country . . . By recognizing their character, I hope to inspire others to find their own path toward community service and active citizenship. If you take just one name with you and remember it, our heroes will not be forgotten – the actions of a single person can make a powerful difference.”  Julie Feingold

The Mission Of The Lost Heroes Art Quilt:

Honor our fallen heroes
Educate the public
Remember their sacrifices
Open hearts and minds
Exhibit across America
Support the families

The Quilt was dedicated at the Families United Gold Star Family Dinner in Washington, DC, last fall and included in the keystone “Time of Remembrance” event at the U.S. Capitol, sponsored by the White House Commission on Remembrance. The Quilt began its national exhibition tour at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center.

On Veterans Day 2011, the quilt will be auctioned off for sale to a museum or collector at the huge CAUSE Gala in Washington, a prestigious gathering in support of our wounded warriors. The Lost Heroes Art Quilt artist, Julie Feingold, has generously agreed to donate the funds from the sale of the quilt to be shared between CAUSE and TAPS, two wonderful charities that help our military families.

Note: Nancy Heckler (third from right), mother of fallen Army Major William F. Hecker III, has coordinated the tour of the Lost Heroes Art Quilt, and is the author of the Lost Heroes Art Quilt book.

Photo by USA Patriotism!