Bob Ellis received the Quilt of Valour, an honour started back in 2006 amid the conflict in Afghanistan. (Image Credit: Melfort Legion/Facebook)

By Cam Lee

Honoured for service

Melfort Legion member receives Quilt of Valour

Mar 6, 2026 | 1:09 PM

A long-time member of the Melfort Legion has been presented with a significant honour.

Bob Ellis received the Quilt of Valour, an honour started back in 2006 amid the conflict in Afghanistan. 

“In 2006, three soldiers based out of Edmonton were recovering in an Edmonton hospital from injuries they suffered while serving in Afghanistan,” the Melfort Legion stated. “The founder of Quilts of Valour Canada, Lezley Zwaal, wanted to thank them for their service and did so by presenting them each with a quilt.” 

Quilts of Valour Canada went on to become a registered society. Over 27,700 quilts have been presented since that time. 

“The mandate of Quilts of Valour Canada is to comfort and thank our military members who have been injured or made ill as a result of their service or who have given up their personal safety and security to serve our country overseas and in wartime or peacekeeping mission,” the Legion said. 

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They added that the initiative is all because of veterans and their sacrifices to a grateful nation.  

“We have a great country and the lives that we have is because of the brave men and women who have fought or continue to fight for our country and to defend our freedom.” 

The Melfort Legion said that while most medals or certificates are given to recipients from the government, the quilt is a gift from the citizens of Canada and has been hand-crafted by grateful residents. 

Ellis has been a member of the Legion for 35 years and was given a Life Membership back in 2009. He was installed as branch president more than 20 years ago and was the first non-World War veteran to serve in that position. Last July, he was given the Meritorious Service Medal. He was cited for his work with the schools which helped in identifying veterans through their Remembrance programs.

During his time as President, Ellis pledged to broaden the membership of the Melfort Legion to include Associates who “would commit to the Legion’s values and responsibilities,” according to the nomination papers. That expansion helped keep the Melfort Legion afloat from 2010 to 2019.

“Thank you Bob for all that you have done,” the Legion added. 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com