As part of the Garfield Center for the Arts’ 2017 production of the WWII Navy play, Mister Roberts, director Tess Hogans is seeking US Veterans who are willing to share a short story about their time in service. These stories will be showcased in the Garfield’s Kohl Lobby during the run of Mister Roberts; February 3rd-19th, as well as in The Chestertown Spy’s online newsletter.
Hogans writes, “There seems to be more focus on WWII Veterans when we seek out stories like these. Maybe it’s out of a need to record those recollections before it becomes too difficult to find anyone who lived through that time. I want focus on everyone; to ask all men and women, from all branches of service, to share part of their experience with our audience. It could be a particular memory of your time in the service, or your thoughts on whether your experiences were positive or negative.”
Participants will be asked to give their full name, branch of service, time in service and a short description about their experience. Participants will also have their photo taken, to be displayed in the Kohl Lobby and online in The Chestertown Spy. All participants will be given complimentary tickets to Mister Roberts. Anyone interested in sharing their story should contact Hogans at the Garfield Center for the Arts, by calling 410-810-2060 or by emailing [email protected].
Hogans adds, “Since my husband joined the USMC last year, I have been overwhelmed with support in the community from other military families. I have known some people for years, and didn’t have a clue that they ever served in the military. My hope is that this showcase, along with our play, raises awareness about commitment to our country and the sacrifices that many of our friends and neighbors have made. It’s a way for us to say ‘thank you’.”
Joan Elburn Farley says
Would Ms. Hogans be interested in a third-person story of my deceased father, 1st Sgt (Ret) Edward Ringgold Elburn of Chestertown, a Chestertown 29th Division “Medico” during WWII? I interviewed him before his death for the Veteran’s History Project at the Library of Congress, so am quite knowledgeable of his experiences during the war years and of his many stories he shared with me. I could provide her with a photo. Most folks in Chestertown know “Ringgold” as he was called, from his years at the Chestertown Armory with the MDARNG.