It's beautiful - good luck in your decision to fix it.

I had not thought of a picture. Great idea - thanks!

Ditto what Mary B said. Agravating yes, but you won't be happy unless you do

Agree with the others and Maryb. I'm sure it will come out beautifully.

This was my thinking "in memory of the fallen".

Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous!!! I would follow Maryb's suggestion also.

If this goes to to a veteran that is visibly broken is might be a reminder to them every time they looked it. Also might be a reminder of fallen friends. I think I would get up close and personal with MrStitchRipper and just rip it out and redo it. Your quilt is beautiful and you will like it better if you correct the mistake.

On the flag subject, there is a home on our Main Street that has a flag with a picture of John Wayne in the middle of it. My husband is a Vietnam Veteran and "every" time we drive by it he grinds his teeth and says "those people just don't have a clue".

HA! Ikwym! My guy hates it when flags are half-staff and shouldn't be! ;0)

I think those that say they can't see the mistake are not really looking at the whole quilt. It would be easier to see if you had the whole quilt in front of you. The second picture shows it better. I think if you see the whole quilt, your eye is drawn directly to that section that is not like the others.

Several people had good solutions. Posts #51 and 59.
If I were going to applique anything on there, it would be a piece like the one that was supposed to be there. Ripping out is doable. Just be thankful it is on the edge.

Your quilt is beautiful, and I hope you can fix it. Good luck!

Either leave it as it is still a love quilt, and follow the old practice that a quilt always contained an oops so it would not be perfect, or follow the suggestion by maryb.