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Reagan honors soldiers with art on Bradford wall
The brilliant colors of the patriotic wall match the warmth of the
emotions with which Bradford townspeople brought the mural to life.
Bradford Honors Our Hometown Heroes, is the title across the side of
Wade Thomas store building on East Main Street. And, All gave some, some
gave all. As about 400 Bradford area names of veterans are inscribed.
The wall is dedicated to those who have went in harm's way, it is noted.
Committee members for the grassroots endeavor included Angela Bunn,
Carol Cagle, Farrah Chambliss, Kathy Mannon, Missy Pollard, Annette
Thomas, Wade Thomas, Stephanie Metcalf. And artist Gene Reagan, a local
sign and artwork businessman, who did the painting, much of it freehand.
But, I'm just a piece of the puzzle, in the wall's existence, Reagan
noted in a recent interview. They approached me and asked if I would be
interested in getting involved, and they asked me to sketch a few ideas
for the wall. Reagan said he could not say enough about the dedication
and efforts of the committee and the city as well as others who donated
materials, time, and whatever was needed. The wall was started in June
and finished just in time for the city's annual Fun Fest celebration in
October. Of Thomas on whose building the mural is painted, Reagan said,
He's a veteran as well, a Staff Sergeant in the Gulf War. A dedication
ceremony for the wall will likely take place when the soldiers who are
in Iraq return, Reagan added. The city had eight, including Mayor Paul
Bunn and Police Chief Josh Chambliss, who left this city of 800 last
fall to fight the war in Iraq. The wall depicts all categories of
veterans (And they're not all deceased, he's quick to add.) by listing
those from World War I, World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, the Gulf War,
Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Bosnic/Kosovo, Afghanistan, Beirut/Lebanon, Gulf
of Syria, Libya. Missing In Action (MIA), Prisoners of War (POWs) and
those killed in action are designated. Shown, too, are a ship, tank, and
fighter jet, representing land, sea, and air, Reagan pointed out. For,
When we think of war we think of machines of war. Of course a beautiful
U.S. flag, and an eagle soaring are present. Reagan saw the idea for the
flag and eagle on a vehicle at Jacksonville at the Little Rock Air Force
Base which hit close to home as its the main setting for Arkansas and a
number of our soldiers around here are Army. Then, the eagle is our
national icon, he continued, and also the Bradford Public School mascot.
Thus, It all fell into place. Only 25 names were known initially to
place on the wall, but citizens began telling of family and friends in
the community they knew of and the wall grew, and likely will continue
to expand, he believes. For example, during Fun Fest, a man from
Virginia who grew up here was home and told them of several to add to
the list, Reagan said. The committee sold yellow ribbons to help fund
the project. A sidewalk was poured by the city at the site and benches
have been placed facing the wall Where people can sit and reminisce and
maybe mend some hearts, Reagan said. Reagan grew up in Texas but has
lived here 20 years, and his dad was a native, he said, pointing to his
dad's name on the wall. He's learned a lot of history through working on
the wall. And he's studied and thought as he placed the veterans' names.
He mentions the Mulvaneys, There were four of them (on the wall), two in
World War II. When you see a bulk like that...what this did to a
family... As a result of the wall, People are sharing what they know and
who they are. While he was painting people often watched and he welcomed
their comments and input. While it can be an aggravation (to be
interrupted) on other jobs, my paint brush was set down willingly and
often when working on this, he noted. I have relatives up there, they
would tell him. Some I am not aware of. While Reagan is modest about his
contribution, his talent is obvious. As a child, he took private art
lessons. A gentleman gave me private oil (painting) lessons when I was
nine or 10 years old, he said. The pencil and paper were my friend, he
recalled, since he lived removed from neighbors. Today besides signs and
artwork, he also does carvings. A state seal he did with a high density
foam hangs at Little Rock at the state capitol. And he's done murals for
several area restaurants as well as unique signs for businesses. (One
has a giant paintbrush doubling as an awning.) In January Reagan will
teach a night class in automotive airbrush painting at Foothills
Vo-Tech. And a goal is to finish the oil painting he's started that his
son likes. It shows a cabin, a man on horseback crossing a creek, and
pack mules. He showed a lovely pencil drawing, too, of his wife that
he's done. Airbrushing a Harley-Davidson and a Peterbilt truck were also
enjoyable pursuits, he told. He's seen an upswing and upsurge in people
wanting patriotic themes. When he hears of artists who do not do
religious or patriotic messages, he feels sorry for them, he commented,
for If you don't believe in those (themes) what do you have?
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