Prison inmates' flag spreads message

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Prison inmates at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility that crafted a giant tribute to fallen soldiers have begun to get more attention for their efforts.

Every square, star and stripe is a reminder of the war in the Middle East.

More than 5,800 names of fallen military members fill the 40-foot quilted flag.

"Writing Lori's name was hard. Being part Native American I really followed her story when she was killed,” Kevin Henry said.

You may remember Kevin Henry, one of the original quilters at the prison.

More than a year and a half ago, News 10 stopped by to see this patriotic piece .

There were far fewer names on the quilt.

"I hate that we have to add names to it but it’s an honor every time we do it,” Henry said.

Not only has it expanded but the inmates have gotten local, even national attention for their efforts.

"A little overwhelming at first because we didn't do it with the intention of having and kind of response," Henry said.

They did it to honor the names of the fallen. They also want to share their patriotic message with others.

"It's traveled to several veteran homes, Sullivan County Courthouse, Greene County Courthouse and several other local agencies,” Jacquie Mize of the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility said.

The prison is hoping to find more stops for the quilt and maybe eventually a permanent home.

"It'd be awesome to see it travel,” Henry said. “Then more people would get a chance to see it and find their loved ones or friend’s name on there."

Henry and others plan to keep adding names of the fallen, as needed, until all of the troops come home.

The prison is encouraging any organizations that would like to display the flag to contact them.

If you’re interested call the prison at (812) 398-5050 ext. 3106