Veterans Day in Ocean City includes dedication of VFW mural

Written by Ann Richardson Tuesday, 08 November 2011 14:00

The mural on the VFW Post at 15th Street depicts an American Eagle and an American flag.

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s annual Veterans Day observances will include the dedication of a new mural featuring a proud American Eagle and bold red and white stripes adorned with stars spanning the entire northern side of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 6650 building along 15th Street.

There were lots of laughs as artist Carla Migliaccio and a small army of volunteers made it happen over the past few weeks, but when Migliaccio put her brush down for the last time and took a step back, the finished product brought tears.

“It’s an honor and a privilege,” said Migliaccio. “It really is. It’s a small thank you for what those guys have done for us. A lot of people forget about that.”

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, Nov. 11 became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

On Friday, Nov. 11, following the annual Veterans Day service at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Field, the mural will be dedicated. The VFW will provide hot dogs and beverages following the dedication.

“I got choked up thinking about it,” said Migliaccio, whose father Anthony served in the U.S. Army during World War II and upon returning home was a founding member of the local VFW post. Her partner, Edward “Bogey” Bogart served in the Army during Vietnam. “It’s a tribute to my dad and to Bogey, but really to everyone who served. I’m just thrilled to have it finished in time for Veterans Day.”

Migliaccio said the mural was in her heart for quite a while. She and Bogey spend a lot of time at the VFW, and one day during the summer she asked Post Commander Bill Godsell if she could paint the building.

“From there it took off,” she said. “I had all kinds of ideas. I was really excited to get started.”

Facing a children’s playground, the artist figured it would be best to stay away from guns or war machinery. The eagle mural evolved over time, but the mural faced a few roadblocks. The building is old and the outside wall needed a lot of preparation before Migliaccio could get started.

James Riviello, a former U.S. Marine and mason, volunteered his services. The 79 year-old Riviello repaired the wall so she could get started.

Neighbors Jim and Debbie Bowman, retired art teacher Ginny Mulford and Bogey also assisted. Collectively they donated nearly 60 hours to the mural.

“They were a God-send,” said Migliaccio, whose bum knee made climbing a ladder painful. The Community Art Project (CAP) donated Nova Colors, a specially designed paint for outdoor murals.

VFW member Tony Burgos paid for the white paint covering the side of the building under the mural.

“The VFW offered, and Tony said ‘No let me take care of it,’” Migliaccio said. “He’s so generous. It was a real community effort. I couldn’t have done this by myself.”

Migliaccio, a 1974 graduate of Ocean City High School, retired from the Ocean City school district last year after spending more than two decades maintaining some of the most important buildings on the island. After years of cleaning and scrubbing, caulking and cobbling the old high school before it fell to the wrecking ball, she enjoyed several years at the primary school, where “Miss Carla” painted colorful murals on the walls of the classrooms, in the hallways, in the library and on the doors. She showcased her talents and brightened up the building.

In retirement, she’s immersed herself in her passion.

“I just like coloring, what can I say?” Migliaccio said with a big smile.

Mulford, who serves as a mentor as well as a friend in Migliaccio’s life, said her protégée “put her heart and soul” into the mural.

“I’m so proud of her,” said Mulford.

Mural artists attract attention as they paint and this one was no different, she said. Everyone has a different idea of how it should look and they don’t shy away from sharing.

“She stuck with her idea. I give her a lot of credit, she did what she wanted. The whole concept was to enhance the VFW. She wanted to get in there and get it done. It was her baby and everyone is gaga over it,” said Mulford.

Mulford helped with the lower level painting.

“A mural is not an easy thing to do, but Carla has just taken on these projects and done a fabulous job,” she said. “She has a vision for these things. She can picture it and then put it on canvas, or on a building. That’s not an easy thing to do.”

Mulford said the late James Pulvino, a former OCHS art teacher who taught and mentored both Migliaccio and Mulford, would be proud.

“He would give her a gold star and say ‘good job!’” she said.

Migliaccio said it warms her heart that, for years to come, the mural will serve as a reminder that we live in the greatest country in the world. Brave soldiers deserve to be recognized, she said.