Most of the stars of the “Korean War” documentary were on hand at the Village Conference Center Sunday afternoon with family, friends and fellow veterans to screen their performances in the latest Stories of Chelsea film series.
Many of them first attended a special Veterans Day tribute at Veterans Park before filling a large room of family, friends and fellow veterans who ranged from those who served in WWII to some who had recently returned home from Afghanistan.
Following a brief introduction “A Toast to the Fallen” was offered, which honors those veterans who have passed on. It included a small table set for one off on its own. On the round table was a white tablecloth, a single red rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon, a slice of lemon on the bread plate, a single chair, a pinch of salt, the Holy Book, and an upside down glass.
Each item holds a special significance, click here for more information.
The film, a collection of perspectives of the war as told by Chelsea area men who fought in Korea, was produced in partnership with the Chelsea District Library and Video Farm Productions.
And if you missed it, you can watch it here.
Included in the cast were 15 men from the Chelsea VFW Post 4076 and American Legion Post 31 including Jack Merkel, Jerry Wenk, Tom Lancaster, Nick Cook, Bill Chandler, Charlie Burgess, Bob Daniels, Don “Digger” O’Dell, Merle and Mel Leach, David Longworth, Vince Burg, Gene Ahrens, Duane Boyer, and Guy Blackmon.
Longer interviews and more information about the documentary can be found by clicking here.
Other films in the oral history series include one room schoolhouses, WWII veterans, farmers, and village life.
“Next year, we hope to screen a similar film for Vietnam veterans,” said Craig Maier, the financial officer from American Legion Post 31, who was involved in the documentary.
