Submitted by Tina Mangos
Local veteran organizations will hold an old-fashion storytelling event to celebrate America’s birthday and learn about our military history from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, June 26 at the Carmel American Legion Post 155, 852 W. Main St.
Hear personal stories (with PowerPoints and visuals) from five veterans who will share their experiences or those of family members, some going back to the Revolutionary War.
To name a few, stories include: women in the military since the ‘70s, changes in technology and communication, rescuing prisoners of war, various assignments in worldwide locations, using military training in civilian endeavors, and more.
Enjoy home-baked birthday cake, social engagement, and displays.
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis, who is a retired Marine Colonel, will share his illustrious U.S. Marine experience that spanned the globe. Carmel City Councilman Tony Green served over a decade as an active-duty pilot for the U.S. Air Force.
Some of the families’ stories include: World War II cartography, prisoner of war in Korea, Vietnam, fighting with George Washington and Daniel Boone, being awarded “Kentucky Colonel” during the Civil War, and more … stories you don’t get in school.
Display tables will offer more visuals, such as letters written to a POW in Korea by then-Senator John F. Kennedy, Western Union telegrams a wife received as MIA notifications, a guitar that survived WW2 and was a connection to home, with which a meaningful song will be played by the storyteller.
The moderator, Kathryn Lerch, directs the Legacy Initiative Project at Park Tudor, is on the board of the WW2 Roundtable, has many publications on military history, and has received numerous awards for her historiography.
Collaborating on this event are:
- Carmel Mayor’s Commission on Veteran Affairs
- Carmel VFW Post 10003
- Carmel American Legion Post 155
- Clay Township Military Museum and Library
It’s a free event, but registration is required at tinamangosarts.com.
We have many heroes and sources of inspiration in our community, but one will never know unless you take the time and interest to hear their story.
