The Veterans of Foreign Wars Levittown-Island Trees Post #9592, recently hosted Star Pendergrass, a junior attending Levittown’s Division Avenue High School and this year’s winner of the Post Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. Pendergrass submitted a unique and thought provoking canvas painting in which she illustrates a young woman protected by a shield in the form of an American flag. The flag, representing the United States government, is performing its constitutional duty of protecting its citizens, who are represented by the young woman.
Pendergrass was joined by family and friends, including her mother, Jeannie; Division Avenue High School Assistant Principal John Coscia and her art teacher Timothy Ryan. Representing VFW Post# 9592 was the Post Commander, Jim Flynn; Senior-Vice Commander Matthew DeGregorio; Junior-Vice Commander Peter Stasinski; Past Commander, Bob Spicer and Hall Chairman, Fred Wedin. Representing the Auxiliary was madam president, Pat Flynn; treasurer Patrice Fitzsimmons; secretary, Liz Roach; conductress, Toni Sanders and photographer, Kaitlin Stasinski. During the award presentation Commander Jim Flynn and madam president Pat Flynn invited Pendergrass up to the dais, where an 18×24 reproduction of her painting was located, and presented her with a certificate of achievement and a check for $150. The painting was also selected to be submitted to the New York Department of the VFW.
Pendergrass expressed her gratitude to the Post and her family and friends and spoke about her painting.
“For hundreds of years, art has captured the spirit of patriotism through paintings, music, film and more. One of the most notable works of art used to convey nationalism is the depiction of Uncle Sam, whose image represents the manifestation of patriotic emotion,” she said. “The simple image of a man dressed in the American flag addressing the public to join the war effort is one of the most iconic pieces of American art today. My painting represents the way in which the American government is similar to a mask or shield in that they are both protective over the people they serve. A mask protects someone in a more physical manner, while the United States government serves to protect its citizens and their natural born rights.”
VFW Post# 9592 wishes to remind everyone that each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States conducts various contests each year. Besides the Young American Creative Patriotic Art contest, the VFW holds the Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy contest which allow students to compete for scholarship awards.
For more information or if you are interested in becoming a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the Auxiliary, email the Levittown-Island Trees Post at vfwpost9592@verizon.net or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vfwpost9592.
—Written by Peter Stasinski
