Press Release

 Representative Jerry Mitchell

Sauk Valley Residents Participate in the 9-11 Memorial Quilts

 Rock Falls, IL- State Representative Jerry Mitchell is honored to announce the local participants in the America’s 9-11 Memorial Quilts, a nation wide project under the direction of “America’s 9-11 Memorial Quilt Organization.” A total of seven memorial quilts are under construction to honor the New York Police Department, New York/New Jersey Port Authority Police and Port Authority Staff, Fire Department of New York, EMS, Pentagon and the victims of WTC and all flights. The quilts are being made with the utmost respect for family members and will not print faces of those for whom they do not have permission. To date many families have given their permission. On November 15, 2002, the Port Authority Police Department quilt was dedicated at ground zero.

The EMS quilt is being made in Dixon with Sue Ramage of the Quilt Cellar as the Team Leader. Other members of the team include Sheila Werland of Sterling, Dorothy Seibel and Betty Schultz of Dixon and numerous members of the Dixon Quilt Guild and the Petunia City Quilters. In addition Sheila Werland from Sterling has the honor of having her poem chosen for inclusion on the Port Authority Staff Quilt, which is being made in South Dakota. Teresa Jahn of Dixon has been selected to be a speaker at the dedication in New York.

 According to Teresa Jahn, Communications Director with the “America’s 9-11 Memorial Quilts Organization,” the quilts are a reminder that a common thread of faith, hope and love unites us all. Like the various colors and designs of the cloth within these quilts we are all different yet we are as one. It is the Organization’s hope that the families will look upon these quilts and see the love and support they have throughout our country.

 On May 24, 2003 a “condolence signature book” will be available for signing at the Sterling Wal-Mart. This book will accompany the EMS quilt to New York. It is the hope of the local participants that many people will join them in offering their condolences by signing the book.

 For more information, or if you would like a member to speak to your group or organization, please call Teresa Jahn at 815-284-9831.