Patriotic Mural Completed by Boylan High School Students

Margaret Downing photo The Journal
Shown under the new patriotic mural on May 25 outside of the Clifford E. Johnson VFW Post 9759 building are from left: Gary Holmes, Junior Vice Commander; John Hood, Quartermaster and Adjutant; Ken Seay, VFW Judge Advocate; Rick Nicholls, Jr., Commander; Brian O’Dell, Three Year Trustee; Jim Hughes, Air Force veteran, and Missy Minardi, Boylan High School Art Department Chair.

Patriotic mural completed by Boylan High School students
By Margaret Downing
Reporter
Instilling a sense of patriotism and an understanding of what our country’s service men and women have gone through that we may enjoy the rights we have today is of the utmost importance for teachers today to impart to our country’s young people. This is a principle that Missy Minardi, Boylan High School’s art department chair, truly believes.
Proof of her philosophy can now be found in a patriotic mural painted in bright colors and located on the western outside wall of the Clifford E. Johnson VFW Post 9759 at 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park.
Minardi’s father, grandfather, and brother all served in our country’s Armed Forces and she says, “This is very personal and special for me.”
The project was begun in January when about 20 art students painted the mural honoring all branches of the service. “The students did all of the work, which has resulted in a beautiful mural,” Minardi explained recently, “and it sets off the building.”
As noted by VFW Post 9759 Commander Rick Nicholls, “Surrounding the large eagle, besides the different service branches, are likenesses of some of our VFW members. The students did a great job of making them recognizable!”
Minardi actually worked with the vets, created the overall design of the mural, and led the project
She noted, “This is our way of expressing our gratitude for what these veterans have done for us.”