A mural with a message
By:
Jill Meier, Journal editor
Membership of the Charles R. Doman American Legion Post 131 in Valley Springs commissioned Brandon artist Mary Lee to design and paint a mural on a section of wall in the group’s meeting room. Jill Meier/BV Journal
Local artist beautifies wall inl Valley Springs Legion Hall
A new work of patriotic art now decorates a wall inside the American Legion Hall in Valley Springs.
The mural, “Freedom is not free,” was commissioned by membership of the Charles R. Doman American Legion Post 131 and painted by Brandon artist Mary Lee.
“This is her version of what we wanted,” explained Post 131 Adjutant Ken Bodewitz.
Instead of carpeting a section of a wall in the organization’s meeting room, Bodewitz said the Legionnaires opted “to do something different.”A mural, they decided, would be that.
So the veteran-member group enlisted the talents of Lee, who designed and painted the detailed 8-foot tall by 20-foot wide mural. The work of art features outlines of personnel from various branches of the military.
“They are supposed to represent all of the branches of the service,” Bodewitz said.
An American eagle with a Purple Heart in its beak, and a POW flag are silhouetted by America’s rich red, white and blue colors.
“The detail of George Washington on the Purple Heart has to be seen to appreciate the talent that has gone into this, as it’s only about as big as a real-life medal and is still clearly our first president,” said Greg “Gus” Anderson, Sgt. At Arms for Post 131.
The $1,200 mural was covered by proceeds from various Legion fundraising endeavors throughout the year, such as soup and chili suppers.
For an event list or to learn more about American Legion Post 131 and its Auxiliary, visit facebook.com/CharlesRDomanAmericanLegionPostAndAuxiliaryUnit131/
