BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- An artistic tribute to local female military veterans was unveiled at the Stars & Stripes Museum and Library Friday afternoon, Sept. 22, with several of the artists themselves on hand to mark the occasion.
Martinie Franks, who serves as the Women Veteran Program Manager at Poplar Bluff's John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, explained how the exhibit, entitled "HerStory," was established.
"We have a group called, "Inspired Wellness," Franks explained. "We'd meet once a month, and one of our sessions consisted of the women telling their own story. We also had painting sessions and other activities, and the exhibit and these women's stories kind of evolved from that."
The exhibit was inspired as well by the Veterans History Project and The Women's Memorial Oral History Program, Franks stated.
"Where the Veteran History Project sought to record war history stories, the Women's Memorial Oral History Program was specifically for all aspects of history and culture of women who served in defense of our nation with the motto, "If we don't record, we lose."
Franks, a National Guard veteran, noted also that from her experience working with women service members that there is "stillness" in reporting their status as a service member.
"I often hear, 'I wasn't in combat,' or 'I just sat behind a desk,' as if their contributions were so small as to be insignificant."
Discouraging that attitude, she stated, "What we want to urge all women service members to embody is -- to borrow the Marine slogan -- 'The few, the Proud.'"
While much of the exhibit consists of framed artwork, there are also story boards depicting the artists' years of service. And, along one wall of the exhibit are the women's stories as told by the veterans themselves. Some of the artwork clearly illustrates the pain of having served in a war zone on foreign soil. The printed accounts, as well, explain the sacrifices that came with their time of military service.
Franks hope is that the general public will celebrate the stories, the artwork and most importantly, the service, that is represented in the exhibit.
The exhibit will remain on display at the Stars & Stripes until January. There is no charge to view the exhibit.
Any organization interested in hosting the exhibit at another location is encouraged to contact Martinie Franks at 573-778-4398.