VETERANS DAY PARADE
HONORING OUR VETERANS 2021 EV Veterans Parade celebrates art in wartime TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
A
fter its pandemic-driven “parade in reverse” last year, the annual East Valley Veterans Parade will return this week with boots on the ground, marching music in the air and spectators lining the streets. And this year the parade theme celebrates the impact of art and artists during wartime. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, in regular format at Center Street and University Drive, Mesa, then proceed south on Center, turning west onto 1st Street and continuing to Robson. Art can inform and inspire. It can capture complicated emotions and record history from a unique viewpoint. These roles of art and artists take on added emphasis in times of war. Portrait artists have captured the faces of historic military leaders for posterity. Sculptors have created compelling monuments to important wartime turning points and history. From armed services recruitment posters to advertisements for war bonds, war-
seemed to appear first at every combat, training or occupation operation and was the last to leave. Messages like “Uncle Sam Wants You” or “Buy War Bonds” also appeared on some iconic art that many are familiar with. Posters during World War II were designed to instill a positive outlook, a sense of patriotism and confidence. They linked the war in trenches with the war at home and were used to encourage all Americans to The 2021 East Valley Veterans Parade will be in a traditional help with the war effort. parade format this year, celebrating art and artists and their WWII also saw the rise impact during wartime. Even simple “thank you” posters have of “nose art” that united a special meaning for those who served (Special to the Tribune) and encouraged members time art and artists throughout the nation’s of the Air Force. Who hasn’t seen the iconic Memphis Belle history have created works that rallied the on the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress? Nose home front and boosted troop morale. The image of “Kilroy was Here” became art is probably the first connection the synonymous with service, dedication and leaps to mind. While frequently employing commitment of U.S. Armed Forces through- the image of women, nose art often conout WWII and the Korean War. Kilroy sisted of ominous messages to enemies.
In the midst of the difficulties of war, soldiers have found creative ways to express their feelings and deal with boredom, build comradery, identify/brag about home or unit and display patriotism. Using whatever materials they found on hand, they created trench art and have turned ordinary T-wall concrete barriers into works of art and expression. T-walls became the palette of the modern war artist. Coming into prominence during the conflicts in the Middle East, these concrete barriers are used for a variety of purposes. From small walls at traffic control points to giant retaining walls to protect against deadly threats like IEDs, T-walls are an everyday sight. Their stark gray appearance is an invitation to the murals that inevitably followed. Trench art is a term used to describe objects made from the debris and by-products of modern warfare. Often trench art was made to pass the time in a “hurry up and wait” environment. Even Kilroy, the ‘meme before memes’,
see PARADE page 2
Holocaust survivor is EV vet parade’s Grand Marshal TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
C
apt. Alexander White, a concentration camp survivor who lost his entire family to the Nazis, is the 2021 East Valley Veterans Parade Grand Marshal. Born in 1923, in Krosno, Poland, near the Ukraine/Slovakian borders, White as a teenager lived through the liquidation of the Krosno Ghetto, then spent a year in the Luftwaffe Labor Camp and six months in the concentration camp at KrakowPlassow. In October 1944, his name appeared on a list of workers assigned to German industrialist Oskar Schindler, who was relocating his factory
Capt. Alexander White, shown on left in his Army uniform, is the 2021 East Valley Veterans Parade Grand Marshal. (Special to the Tribune) from Poland to the Sudetenland to avoid advancing Soviet armies.
White surmises that he ended up on Schindler’s list because his profession was
listed as a glazier and painter. His specialty in glazing made him a rare commodity. Upon arrival at Schindler’s factory, he was assigned to a small area of the factory to work as a glazier. White survived the last months of the Holocaust at Schindler’s camp in Bruennlitz, Sudetenland, and was liberated on the last day of the war in Europe, May 8, 1945, from the camp – as shown in the movie “Schindler’s List.” After liberation, he made his way to Germany where, in 1950 as a refugee, he earned a medical degree from the University of Munich. Soon thereafter, he immigrated to the United States. In 1953, he married Inez Libby, a Chicagoan, and joined the U.S. Army. He received a commission as a first lieutenant
see MARSHALS page 3
VETERANS 2
PARADE from page 1
is a form of graffiti art. He popped up in many places, in many variations, and still does today. Whether from professional artists or amateurs, including school children, art continues to play an important role in our ability to express our deepest emotions during turbulent times. As part of the East Valley Veterans Parade, art also provides a way to profoundly
share the nation’s pride and gratitude for the service of the men and women of the armed services – veterans, active military and their families. But perhaps a most meaningful connection of art and war is the therapeutic value of art to our warriors. It can help us deal with strong emotions, increase self-awareness and self-worth and decrease stress and anxiety. As veterans deal with post-service challenges, art can play a key role in helping the their healing.
So – art and war – how does this connect for you? Join the 2021 East Valley Veterans Day Parade and show everyone your art. For more parade information, visit www.evvp.org. ■
“Nose art” on airplanes often carried menacing warnings to the enemy. (Spe-
cial to the Tribune.)
Mesa Art League Veterans Program joins EV parade TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
A
The 2021 East Valel y Veterans Parade iw l eb in a traditional parade of rmat this ey ar, ec el rb ating art and artists and their impact ud ring aw rtime. Even simple t“ ah nk oy u” posters ah ev a special meaning of r those ohw serve.d pS( ecial to the Tribune.)
NOVEMBER 7, 2021
new parade participant this year is the Mesa Art League, which was formed in 1936 to support and promote the arts in Mesa. The organization features a veterans program that provides a safe, non-judgmental arts environment for veterans and their families. Classes and supplies are free and are designed to create a comfortable social space for the veterans to share stories. “Art can provide a distraction from the daily grind, from the words in our head that say we are not good enough, and create a positive sense of self and accomplishments,” said Mesa Art League President Loralee Harris. The positive impact of this unique art program is voiced by its participants. “My military career was an integral part of my life,” said retired Army Lt. Barry Rosenblatt. “Taking art classes with the wonderful art teachers and helpers of the Mesa Art League, has given me meaning and the opportunity to connect and be with my fellow military veterans. “Art has given me the inspiration I need to have a positive aspect in my life,” Rosenblatt continued. “The league has given me
a supportive group to be a part of. Creating art with them over the past six years has given me a new and fun aspect to my life.” Added John Brewer, a retired Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War era: “The Veteran’s Art Program has been invaluable to veterans and their families. It is a wonderful opportunity to socialize and form lasting friendships. “There are many fine teachers that really put their hearts into it, broadening outlooks and teaching every aspect of art. I sorely miss the in-person classes that inspired me to become an artist. If not for this program I never would have known I was capable of being one.” Information: MesaArtLeague. com. ■
NOVEMBER 7, 2021
MARSHALS from page 1
and completed his medical field service training at Ft. Sam Houston in Texas. From 1953-55, he served as a medical officer at USA Hospital at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He was honorably dis-
• Army – Barry Rosenblatt
Lt. Col. Barry Rosenblatt began his military career in the Army in 1972. He served in the medical corps where he performed advanced trauma surgery as a dentist, helicopter medical evacuation, and trained others in setting up mash units. Seven years ago, Barry took painting, welding and photography classes through the Mesa Art League Arizona Art Alliance Program and the Boeing Funded Mesa Art Center Veterans Art Program. These days his art can be viewed at a gallery he shares with his wife, Susan Paige, on Main Street in Mesa.
VETERANS
3
charged as a captain in the Army Reserves in 1955. Alex moved his wife and two children – soon to be three – to Chicago, where from 1956-58 he was a full-time faculty member of the Chicago Medical School. He practiced medicine in a private prac-
tice in the area for close to 50 years while continuing to teach there as an associate professor as well as a voluntary faculty member of Cook County Hospital. He retired to Scottsdale in the late 1990s, where he has become active in veteran affairs, becoming a member of the
Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. At age 98, he said he remembers his military years with fondness – especially the camaraderie – and often wished he had never left the service. He is joined in the parade by the following service marshals:
Ensign Oakley J Ray was born in Gilbert in 1920 and is 101 years old. He served in the Navy 194346. He was the payroll officer aboard the USS Estes, the ship upon which he witnessed the raising of the U.S. flag over Hiroshima. After WWII, Ray returned to Mesa, where he and his wife. Janet Anderson, raised 10 children. He received degrees in both accounting and law from Arizona universities. The Oakleys have 88 grandchildren, 330 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
Cpl. Sam Ingram enlisted in the Marines in 1961 in Los Angeles, making him a “Hollywood” Marine, and he’s proud of it. As a member of the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, Calif., he boarded a ship for Cuba shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later, he set sail to the Mediterranean and finally to Vietnam, where he received his discharge. The VA provided the funds for Sam to complete an accounting degree at Franklin University. He is now retired and resides with his wife in Tempe.
Col. Robert “Bob” Jeffrey was a top fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force and flew critical missions in Vietnam. On Dec. 20, 1965, his F-4 Phantom took a direct hit from anti-aircraft fire and he was forced to eject in enemy territory. He endured 2,611 days in captivity at the infamous Hanoi Hilton. He commanded numerous aircraft both in his military and civilian careers. His military decorations include: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V device and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with palm, POW Medal, and many others.
• Navy – Oakley J Ray
• Marine Corps – Sam Ingram
• Air Force – Bob Jeffrey
• Coast Guard – Jason Roberts
Chief Petty Officer Jason Roberts served with the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army before transitioning to the Florida National Guard, law enforcement, and eventually enlisting with the U.S. Coast Guard. He was one of the initial first responders on scene after the destruction of southern Louisiana during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He is credited with saving the lives of more than 75 people during these round-the-clock operations. Roberts earned degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Arizona State University. He retired from active military service in 2018 after a combined 27-year career and continues to serve his community in ministry with Rock Point Church.
Parade units in the past have carried special tributes to fallen warriors. (Special to the Tribune)
PARADE SPONSORS The East Valley Veterans Parade is supported by: Premium Sponsors • Arizona Dept. of Veterans Services • East Valley Tribune
• Signarama-Chandler • 960 The Patriot Stars & Stripes Sponsors • Albertsons-Safeway • Downtown Mesa Association
• • • • • •
Geico of Mesa Larry H Miller Ford MD Helicopter Mesa Community College Mesa Hohokams SRP
Patriot Sponsors • Copa Health • Gateway Bank • Mesa Secure Storage • Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club • Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport • Virginia Berg • Visit Mesa
Special thanks for the support of the City of Mesa.
VETERANS 4
Aviation foundation again part of parade TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
T
he Army Aviation Heritage Foundation will be showing off a restored gunship as part of the East Valley Veterans Day Parade. The foundation was formed in 1997, with the Southwest Chapter beginning in 2014. Its goal is to educate people about the role of Army aviation, especially during the Vietnam War. In the process, they are able to help veterans as they continue to struggle to adjust to civilian life. AAHF also impacts young people directly through a partnership with the East Valley Institute of Technology. The group will display its completely restored 1966 UH-1M helicopter gunship in this year’s parade. This combat veteran served three tours in Vietnam in several
The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation Southwest Chapter will present a restored helicopter gunship during the parade. (Special to the Tribune)
NOVEMBER 7, 2021
condition. It is mounted on a specially designed trailer, making possible its participation in the parade. “We do this out of love. Love for our country, love of these marvelous flying machines, love of our fellow veterans and love of the inquiring minds of our youngsters whose eyes shine so brightly as they climb into the pilot’s or gunner’s position,” said lifelong AAHF member Bob Warner. “We watch veterans approach our aircraft, some with love, some with trepidation, some with the familiarity of an old friend,” Warner said. “The Huey helicopter was the icon of the Vietnam War. Its name, shape and distinctive sound are forever etched into the minds of those who served in Vietnam. We do this to preserve those memories and to do all we can to ensure that their legacy is not forgotten.” ■
units, amassing a total of 2,419 combat flight hours. It was shot down five times, each time
repaired and returned to combat duties. AAHF volunteers spent several thousand hours restoring the aircraft to its original
Mountain View is supported by the Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation, American Legion Family Apache Post 27, VFW Post 7968 and Auxiliary, MOPH Chapter 2560 Apache Junction, Apache Junction High School NJROTC, Vietnam Veterans of America East Valley Chapter 1011, American Ex-Prisoners of War East Valley Chapter and Boy Scout Troop 777. The tradition started in 1992 in Maine when a family that owned a tree farm had a surplus of Christmas wreaths and donated the extras to the Arlington National Cemetery to put on its graves. And over the years, that thoughtful act blossomed into a nationwide movement
in which anyone can honor deceased veterans by contributing to local organizations that place wreaths on their graves. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Maine family that started this tradition got an eager reception to their proposal. “Several volunteers stepped up to help, including veterans from American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and a truck company owner who transported the wreaths to Arlington, Virginia, where a small ceremony was held at the cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” according to department. This remained a small yearly tradition
for nearly 15 years until a photo taken at the 2005 ceremony went viral. “Almost immediately, thousands of people wanted to know how to help or how they could begin a similar tradition in their states,” the Defense Department said. By 2008, it had become a traditional at dozens of cemeteries across the country and has continued to grow, with more than 2.2 million graves across the country now decorated with a wreath at more than 2,100 cemeteries.
Businesses interested in sponsoring next year’s parade can find information at that same website. “Community support is vital for future parades to honor, remember and thank our veterans, active military and their families,” organizers said. The Parade Association also needs volunteers willing to join the 2022 planning committee. There are a variety of planning areas that need new leadership. Email pa-
rade@evvp.org to learn more. The East Valley Veterans Parade has a storied past. When the annual Mesa Veterans Parade fell victim to necessary budget cuts in 2006, local residents Gerry Walker and Frank “Gunny” Alger spoke out on behalf of the 40-year-old Mesa tradition. “There will be a Veterans Day parade if it is only me marching down the street with Frank watching,” Walker declared.
The Marine Corps League Saguaro Chapter in Mesa took the lead and the Mesa Veterans Parade Association was formed. In 2013, the all-volunteer organization changed its name to the East Valley Veterans Parade Association to reflect the participation of parade entrants and sponsors from most East Valley communities.
People can help place wreaths on veterans’ graves TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
M
ountain View Cemetery is participating in the Wreaths Across America campaign, an effort to raise enough donations so that a wreath is placed on every veteran’s grave. Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, is home to 3,000 veterans graves and so far 1,900 graves will be adorned with Christmas wreaths, according to its website. At 9:30 a.m. Dec. 18, the cemetery will host a wreath-laying ceremony and volunteers are welcome. The Wreaths Across America effort at
People can help by making a donation at wreathsacrossamerica.org/AZ0184P. An individual wreath costs $15. ■
Parade planners need money, volunteers TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
T
he East Valley Veterans Parade Association, which is responsible for planning and executing the annual community event, needs your help. The costs associated with the parade continue to rise, organizers said, and they are looking for donations to support the continuation of the East Valley Veterans Parade at evvp.org.
Donations to this nonprofit are taxdeductible. ■