Silver Cross 2006 Quilt Mrs. Alice Murphy, of Conception Bay, Newfoundland was selected by the Royal Canadian Legion as the Silver Cross Mother for 2006. The Silver Cross Mother is chosen annually to represent all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or daughter in military service. When Mrs. Murphy requested a CCRP quilt, we wanted a way for her quilt to be unique and to acknowledge this great honour.

Mrs. Mary Jo Redmond, a Brockville quilter, accepted the challenge, and presented this opportunity to the community of Marmora, north of Belleville, where she has a family cottage. Several groups of quilters in the community agreed to work together on the project and created the 2006 Silver Cross CCRP Quilt. Several quilters offered to make a Silver Cross Quilt for 2007 and 2008, but the mothers chosen by the Legion both years had already been given a CCRP quilt. The upper right block on Mrs. Murphy's quilt has a silver coloured material for the background and heart. When one is covered with the quilt while seated, this block will be over their heart. The quilt was hand quilted by all the quilters in the village, including a woman who is over 80 years of age, and is hand embroidered also.

The back of the Silver Cross Quilt makes it even more unique. It is a memorial to the life of Corporal Jamie Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004. A series of panels on the back of the quilt depict various aspects of Jamie's life: Newfoundland, Conception Bay, sports, the family Church and his SMILE, like the sun rising on the eastern horizon. The quilters in Marmora were able to talk with fellow soldiers who knew Jamie, and so learned about him and how to illustrate his life in fabric. Click on the picture for a larger view.

After the Remembrance Day ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on November 11th, 2006 Mrs. Murphy attended a reception at the official residence of the Governor General, where the quilt was presented. The photos were taken on this occasion and show Mrs. Murphy, Her Excellency Michaelle Jean and her husband. 

The following is part of a letter sent to us by Marc Gobeil, Policy and Planning Officer, Government House:

"Dear Mrs. Guthrie and the other wonderful ladies who participated in the creation of the special quilt for the Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Alice Murphy, ...the Governor General and General Rick Hillier took a moment after the remembrance ceremonies and just before lunch in Mrs. Murphy's honour to show her the quilt. Mrs. Murphy and her daughters were very touched by the gift and the obvious thought, concern and effort that went into putting it all together. They asked that we share it with as many people as possible and so during the lunch we took a few minutes to describe Mrs. Guthrie's idea and what had happened in Marmora.

We first showed the side with the maple leaf pattern and already people were moved by some of the messages that were read aloud. I cannot describe to you the sound that was heard when we turned the quilt around to show the personal blocks in honour of Jamie Murphy. There was a loud, heavy gasp that expressed admiration for the quilt's symbolism and also extended compassion to Mrs. Murphy and her family. It was very, very moving to realize that the quilt had an effect who was there. That sound confirmed the importance of what you have all done in your expression of comfort, support and appreciation.

The quilt was displayed after lunch and all 100 guests came closer to get a better look and appreciate the fine work. I heard many, many very positive comments about it.

It is unfortunate that none of the creators were there to take part in the presentation but the next best thing are photos. Attached are two photos taken during the presentation of the quilt to Mrs. Murphy by the Governor General and her husband. It would be appreciated if all the people who were involved in the project could receive the photos to let them know that their work found its way to its rightful place.

On behalf of all of us at the Governor General's office, thank you for what you have done in the name of all Canadians."

For more details about the project or your participation email Jane Guthrie, Project Coordinator.