This exhibit highlighted and honored the efforts of Hastings residents who have actively served in the military and those who served at home. It included photos and memorabilia from World War I through Vietnam.
A special feature of the exhibit was 15 portraits of Hastings men who served our country photographed by members of the Hastings High School Photography club, under the direction of their adviser, Marty Merchant.
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Bob Bliss (previously Batcheller) in Vietnam in 1967, while I was serving with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, known as the Magnificent Bastards to friend and foe alike. Bliss served with the Marines for almost eight months, until he was seriously wounded (eventually losing his leg at the hip) while the battalion was engaged with a large NVA Regiment. |
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Patrick Melella, in Paris, holds a copy of a newspaper announcing the end of World War II. |
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Walter Honovich, in Egypt with the 9th Air Force, seated on a camel with the Sphinx and pyramids in the background. |
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Hastings children take part in a salvage drive to support the war effort. |
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Members of the Southside Club show their patriotism. |