Surprise Gift Leaves Aboriginal War Veteran 'Pleased as Bloody Punch'

Victor Bartley, an Aboriginal man and Vietnam War veteran, received a deeply meaningful gift 55 years after his return: a handmade quilt from the charity Quilts of Valour Australia. Bartley, who served six years in the Australian Army, was one of three veterans in the western New South Wales town of Bourke to receive such an honor.

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I'm so proud. Pleased as bloody punch. It was such a surprise for someone to give me something with such meaning.

The quilts are designed to provide comfort and acknowledge the sacrifices made by Australian Defence Force personnel and their families. Bartley expressed his profound gratitude and surprise, stating, "I'm so proud. Pleased as bloody punch." He added, "It was such a surprise for someone to give me something with such meaning." While humble about his service, he felt the quilt signified that "good country" and "good people" still exist who appreciate veterans' contributions.

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To me, this recognition means that we still have a good country, we still have good people who want to thank you for your service.

Bartley's journey to this recognition was marked by historical challenges. He was 20 when Aboriginal people were officially recognized as Australian citizens and had to conceal his heritage to enlist in the army, claiming British nationality. Now, nearing his 79th birthday, this quilt represents a significant acknowledgment of his service, particularly poignant for Vietnam veterans who often faced a difficult reception upon returning home.

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Every quilt is different, there's never one the same. We see everything from tears of joy to thanks, especially Vietnam veterans. They didn't get a very good response coming home and some of the vets when I have awarded them a quilt they are like, 'Wow, this is the only thanks I've ever had' and they are just overwhelmed.

Laticia Hollman, a volunteer from Queensland, hand-delivered the quilts. She described how each quilt is unique and how recipients, especially Vietnam veterans, are often overwhelmed, sometimes seeing the quilt as the "only thanks I've ever had." Hollman works with recipients' families to ensure the delivery is a surprise, aiming for a strong emotional response. Other recipients included Sheila Lowe, on behalf of her late husband Keith, and former RAAF medic Kelly Lienesch. Quilts of Valour Australia, founded over a decade ago, continues to honor service members through these heartfelt gifts.

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A quilt is a powerful gift of love. When we are organising the delivery of the quilts, we try to do it so it's a secret, so we get a really good surprise response.