LETTER FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR GENERAL

November 14, 2006

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,

My name is Marc Gobei land I work at the Governor General's office.  For several weeks, I had been in touch with Capt. Geri Bush at the military's Comfort and Remembrance Program to find a way for your special quilt to be presented to Mrs. Murphy.  It could not be presented during the remembrance ceremony itself because that event is tightly scripted, but the Governor General and Gen. 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 of 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 on 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 alter 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.
Sincerely,
Marc Gobeil,  Policy and Planning Officer Government House 1 Sussex Drive Ottawa Ontario, K1A OA1

Dear Mrs. Murphy,
It has been an honour for the Quilters of Marmora and Lake to make this quilt for you. We hope it will offer you and your family comfort.
We would like this project to stand as testament to our gratitude for the sacrifice your son has made on our behalf and the behalf of all Canadians.
The Quilters of Marmora and Lake will remember Corporal Jamie Brendan Murphy.
This November 11th will begin our yearly recognition of your son's sacrifice. It is with sadness and pride that we will undertake this charge.
Dominus vobiscum

Marmora and Lake - After several months in the planning and construction phase, the 24-square remembrance quilt stitched with care by a group of Marmora women is nearing completion.  It was mounted on a stretcher in the Historical Foundation, so local stitchers could drop in over the last several days and work on quilting the beautiful piece. With words of comfort and support lovingly penned on each heart contained within the maple leaves, the quilt wiII be presented to the Silver Cross Mother, Alice Murphy, mother of Corporal Jamie Brendan Murphy during the Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa. The quilt features a host of maple leaves on a cream background, with one of the squares having been personalized for the Silver Cross Mother. On the re- verse side are several quilted pictures created by Sandy Kirby, depicting the Province of Newfoundland which Jamie called home. Among them are a map of Newfoundland cut from the provincial tartan; a provincial flag; a scene of Conception Bay; and a patch depicting Jamie's three favourite sports: hockey, baseball and golf. Under the flag wilt be fabric renderings of the gazebo and cenotaph contained in Marmora's Memorial Park alongside the words, "A tribute to the Murphy family from Marmora." This quilt and many others like it will form the Comfort and Remembrance Project born when Brockville quilter Jennifer Hodge designed a maple heart quilt block. With the approval of General Rick Hillier of the Department of National Defence, the resulting 24- block quilts will be given to the seriously wounded soldiers or the families of the downed soldiers.

Arlene Aunger-Fluke  wrote:  "Marmora women are very thoughtful and talented A lot of work A marvelous keepsake for Alice Murphy in memory of her son Jamie."

The Military Panel              The ribbons surrounding the background field indicate Corporal Murphy's service around the world. -The white, blue, white, blue, white - Kosovo -The green, red, white, blue, white red, green -The United Nations Peace Keeping -The burgundy, white, green, white, burgundy - Afghanistan
The flag of the Royal Canadian Regiment centers the panel.
It is surrounded by symbols of Corporal Murphy's military career.
The gold and black Mortar Badge indicates the platoon Corporal Murphy was part of.
The epaulettes are those worn by a Corporal. Their colour indicates the original uniform colour- O. D.- Olive Drab Green, worn before the CAD-PAT uniform. The colour of these epaulettes are an indicator of Corporal Murphy's length of service.
The Regimental Hat Badge is a symbol of the Royal Canadian Regiment. This is a symbol that Corporal Jamie Murphy wore proudly for his entire career.