Anchorage Daily News

On this Veteran's Day, I am reminded that this has been a historical week. We have just elected our next president, who has already united the country with the promise of hope and possibilities. I can't imagine a nobler gift than to serve as president of our nation or in our country's armed forces.

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We all have many good reasons to celebrate being a proud American. Whether we serve through political office, community service or in our military, Americans who offer their time or their work make the difference that sets our country up as a standard of greatness to the world. Those who knit or crochet can also serve while they stitch for others.

First ladies often focus their work on programs that are important to them, especially when our country is at war. During the American Revolution, the Civil War and both World Wars, our first ladies made sure that anyone who could knit or crochet kept their needles busy turning out everything from socks, mittens or sweaters to bandages for field dressings.

Hospitalized veterans recuperating from their wounds continue to be encouraged to learn to knit and find that this soothes their frayed nerves, heals their spirits and produces many items for the war efforts as well.

Michelle Obama is no different than other first ladies throughout history. She has already promised to work in support of military families whose loved ones have served one, two and even three or more tours of duty and for those who are in the reserve forces. Anchorage's first lady Deborah Bonito, Mayor Mark Begich's wife, feels the same way.

For the past several years, Bonito has worked to make the families of our deployed military troops feel that they have a community standing ready to assist them, support them and make sure they are not forgotten during the holidays through her military family initiative.

Events include opportunities for needle workers of our community to knit, crochet and stitch for donations and gifts and to demonstrate needlework skills, such as spinning, knitting and crochet, at the many family gatherings Bonito sponsors throughout the year.

Through Bonito's first lady military knitting project, the families of deployed troops are invited to a Christmas party at the tree lighting ceremony in the Town Square on Thanksgiving weekend. The donated, hand knitted or hand crocheted gifts that each of you contributes will be given to everyone who attends. You can visit her Web site to see pictures of past Christmas parties and other military family events by visiting www.muni.org/milfamilysupport/ and clicking on the links at the side.

I have had the joy of helping to wrap packages or set up the tables piled with many knitted and crocheted gifts at the Christmas parties of past years, and I can tell you that it warms my heart in so many ways.

It's part celebration, part heartfelt pride and part wondrous amazement that so many of those who stitch in our community reach out to show these families that they, and their sacrifices, are not going unnoticed.

Knit hats, crochet slippers, scarves and mittens of all sizes will be welcome. There are babies, little tots, young children and adult men and women, so no matter your favorite projects or sizes, you can contribute something that will fit.

It's helpful to keep things washable, and please take a moment to label the fiber content, washing instructions and size and include this with the garments you donate.

This holiday season you can show your patriotism by plying your needles and hooks for our military families.

Catherine Hollingsworth, interior designer, artist and professional knitwear designer, has lived in Alaska for 18 years. She is interim president of the Alaska State Yarn Council and past president of Knitters of the North. To reach her, e-mail twosticks@adnmail.com.

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