VFW and its Patriotic Murals
Standing behind the new patriotic murals are, from left, Post Commander Kevin Calnan, Quartermaster Chris Condon, and VFW member Joe Ebert. The Post hopes to update the murals each year with help from the young artists at Bellingham High.
By Dave Dunbar
There are some brand new hand-painted, patriotic murals on the southern end of the Bellingham VFW building on South Main Street.
When viewing these five different and colorful murals, words that may come to mind include courage, perseverance, respect, and victory.
The murals were produced by about a dozen Bellingham High School students in the advanced art program and recently presented to the VFW post. Commander Kevin Calnan says, “This helps us connect with the community. The kids in school are getting involved and learning about patriotism.”
Students researched themes for the murals and then painted them. This is the second year students have provided colorful, meaningful murals for the VFW in a program that started under the late Tom Lane, the Post’s former commander.
“The murals were a little smaller this year,” explains VFW member Joe Ebert, who coordinated the effort. “The kids were told to paint what they think, and it was a tool for them” to explore history, our armed forces, and veterans. To the students, Ebert says: “Thank you! Any vet who sees these murals will realize they represent what America is. No politics here.”
“Love of America is a good thing,” observes Calnan, “not a bad thing. We need to nourish the concept that our flag should be honored and respected. Patriotism is alive and well in Bellingham!”
For creating the murals, each student will get a gift card according to Calnan, “a small thank you for dressing up the post.”
Post Quartermaster Chris Condon says the murals look “fantastic!” He adds, “We asked the students to produce this art out of their own inspiration to represent vets, the VFW, and patriotism.”
“Customers all love the murals,” says Butch Buckley. He tends bar at the post about 20 hours a week. “I like them,” adds customer Kathy Champeau. Her son is a veteran, and she appreciates the way he, and all other vets, are being honored by the murals.
You can find out more about Bellingham’s VFW Post by visiting its Facebook page or going to www.vfw7272.org
