Listen to the Story Behind the Panel for David McGrath Ryan, Esq, aka “Buckwheat.” David is remembered on block #3217.
From his early teen years, my son, Paul Paluzzi, was fascinated by space and astronomy. A hemophiliac, he knew he couldn’t go into space, but he could and did become deeply involved. An award-winning computer expert, he worked on several missions and programs for Goddard before his spirit soared on in 1993. - Jeanne Gerritsen
Paul is remembered on Block #3833 and #3953.
The Quilt by Bruce G. Muncher
“I attended the last full quilt showing in 1996. I found a few quilts of friends I had lost touch
with and cried over and over at the loss of friends and partners. I wrote the attached poem after that weekend. I would like to but not sure if I will be able to attend the event this year for I stay too tired to travel.” Bruce G. Muncher
The Quilt
Standing in the midst
of the fabric laden ground
I am filled
will an overwhelming
sadness
at the enormity of loss.
Miles of color
are woven together
to form pallets
of life.
Names resound
in the background
and are echoed
in the trees
as shadows
mull about
curious,
searching,
finding,
grieving
at the loss.
Copyright © 1996 by Bruce G. Muncher
Hinesville, GA
“Dan Johnson was the best dance partner one could hope for — he always caught you, never mentioned that you were too heavy to lift or that you landed on his foot. For all of us, Dan will forever be dancing in our hearts.”
Dan is remembered on Block #4825.
“When my 14 year-old daughter and I showed up at Santa Sophia…ready to start our AIDS Quilt for my friend Carlos…we were greeted by Sister Margaret and the most wonderful group of women. From that first day we bonded and developed a friendship that has continued to today.” - Sara A. Souffrain
Carlos is remembered on Block #5018.
“It is our family’s hope that people may stop to wonder how a 64 year old woman died from AIDS. The answer is: with dignity, grace, and love… just like she lived her life. I never thought I’d see my mom on television, talking about condoms. I’m sure she never expected to either. a local TV station asked to interview her about the rising incidence of the virus among heterosexual women. She called to ask me if I was ready for her to talk about AIDS so publicly. Was I ready? She was ready. That’s all I needed to know.”—Janita Gaulzetti, Panel Maker
Shirley is remembered on Block #4737.
J.L. Madsen’s panel was made by his daughter….”We had JL’s panel at his memorial service where family and friends could write their thoughts…When I went to the AIDS Quilt Display in Spokane, I arrived at my husband’s panel and I fell apart. An incredible volunteer consoled me while I grieved. Thank you to the AIDS Memorial Quilt Project for preserving the quilt and expanding AIDS awareness and HIV prevention education.” – Kathleen E.
J.L. is remembered on Block #4049.
“To have the void filled in my heart since Jose died would be like having another chance to begin life’s journey. So much love and courage did he possess that I daily thank God for the privilege to have called him Brother.” - Robert W.
“Rose was a victim of the AIDS epidemic even though she did not have HIV/AIDS. She was a mother who lost her son, Vinny Basile, and her son-in-law, Stephen Tanner,” to AIDS in 1996 and 1991….There was always a hole in her life that was the results of the AIDS epidemic. She was a tough lady, surviving those losses and later living as a breast cancer survivor. She carried her ‘boys’ stories and love within her heart until her death this year at 91. Rose never wanted people to fuss over her but I’m sure she would love this tribute.” – Linda T.
Vinny is remembered on Block #3865.
“Reggie Hightower died from AIDS on Feb. 6, 1987 at the age of 27. Reggie was deaf. His partner Art Peterson, Jr. was hearing. The sign in the middle is sign language for ‘I love you.’”
Reggie is remember on panel #0001.
Every life has a story. It could be the story of your memories of another person or the story of that person’s life. The Quilt is a safe place to share them all. And, you can share your story in a number of different ways – by recording it, writing it or by making a panel.
Quilt in the Capital
