Now adding to the beautiful environment at Veterans' Island in Pottstown Borough's Memorial Park are two new murals. The murals are located on either side of the wall of the Korean War Memorial, which also includes two bronze plaques that were dedicated to veterans by the Pottstown Kiwanis Club in 1955. The first mural depicts a rendering of the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC. The second shows a pair of boots, helmet and dog tags as a tribute to the lives lost during the Korean war, which is commonly known as "The Forgotten War".
Veterans' Island is managed by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Veterans' Island Project (VIP), which works under the auspices of the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department. Through its nonprofit status, VIP is able to collect tax deductible donations which go towards the maintenance and enhancement of the Island at Memorial Park. Part of VIP's mission is to enhance the Island through the use of public art, and thanks to a generous donation from a private donor, they've been able to do just that.
VIP used the donation to contract artist Amber Staedtler, a Pottstown native and graduate of Pottsgrove High School and Moore College of Art. Staedtler's work has earned acclaim throughout Philadelphia and New York City, and she was "honored to be part of a project in her hometown." Her vision for the mural was discussed with VIP's founder and president, Cathy Paretti, before being executed. Now, after a summer of hard work, you can see her finished products in person at Veterans' Island in Memorial Park.
For any questions or more information regarding the Veterans' Island Project, please contact Cathy Paretti at cathy@veteransislandproject.org.