June 2011 - InMaricopa.com

COMMUNITY26 InMaricopa.com June 2011Local vets help open military exhibitat libraryBy John StapletonMay 20 was Armed Forces Day anda fitting time to open an exhibit ofhistorical military artifacts displayed atthe Maricopa Public Library.Library Director Joe Guntercommenced the program with anexcerpt from Tom Brokaw’s book, “TheGreatest Generation:” “After talkingto so many of them and reflecting onwhat they have meant in my own life, Iknow that it is those small ceremoniesand quiet moments that this generationis appropriately honored. No fanfareis required. They know what they haveaccomplished and they are proud.”Mayor Anthony Smith, CouncilmemberJulia Gusse, VFW Post CommanderJack McLain and Patricia Brock, presidentof the Maricopa Historical Society,were among the morning’s speakers.“Freedom is not free,” Brock said.“And we must always be grateful andmindful to those that have sacrificed forour liberties.”Smith reflected on memories of hisfather, who served under Gen. GeorgePatton in World War II, and his mother,who worked in a munitions depotin southern Indiana. He spoke of amemory he had as a child, the last tworemaining soldiers of the Civil War andthe passing of the last veteran of WorldWar I. He also noted the importance ofrecognizing those remaining veterans ofWorld War II.“We can’t do anything to slow downdeath’s sting,” said Smith. “But we canalways remember the veterans whoserved with honor.”Gusse, a “first generation American,”enlisted in the Air Force at age 18. Sheshannon williamsBrian Shaw points out a display to his daughter Dante at the Maricopa Public Library. The exhibit of biographical profiles, artifacts and documents fromMaricopa veterans will be on display through Aug. 20.spoke proudly of the achievementswomen have made in the service anddonated to the library two children’sbooks by Robert Kennedy on behalf ofAmerican Legion Post 133.Councilmembers Marquisha Griffinand Marvin Brown attended as didPolice Chief Kirk Fitch. Several veteransfrom the community attended inuniform.McLain, a Vietnam veteran, addedsome humor to the event as he spokeof the Veterans of Foreign Wars’reputation. “There’s a stereotype ofVFW; that it’s nothing but a bunch of oldguys drinking beer in a smoky room,” hesaid. “Well, part of that is true; we arenot anti-beer.”He also talked of the work of the VFWas they prefer “to stay under the radar”with their community involvement andtheir support of veterans. “We make itour business to help those veterans inneed,” said McLain, adding that threeWorld War II veterans are members ofthe local Post 12043.Brian and Malena Shaw came withtheir children, daughters Dante, 7,Mahala, 11, and their 12-year-old sonEli, who said he liked looking at theammunition and bazooka on display.“I think it’s all fascinating, especiallyto see and meet the World War IIveterans,” Mahala said.Malena Shaw said, “We take everyopportunity we can to teach our childrenthe history of our veterans andwhat they have done for our country.This is something we had to come to.”Leamon “Bud” Ryan also came andtook the children by surprise whenhe introduced himself as the personthey were looking at inside the glassshowcase. The photo displayed wasRyan in 1950 when he entered the Navyas an 18-year-old. He also explained themedals he was wearing to the event.The exhibit of biographical profiles,artifacts and documents from Maricopaveterans will be on display through Aug.20 at the Maricopa Public Library.