Kathy Styles-Landgraf holds her son Evan’s official military photo.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – A Ventnor woman has found a way to honor her son and city residents who have put their lives on the line to serve their country.
Kathy Styles-Landgraf wants to establish a wall of photographs depicting residents of the city who are currently serving active duty.
Her son Evan Sandt-Landgraf, 24, who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy as an acoustics warfare operator, will be the first to be honored on a section of wall in the corridor of the first level of Ventnor City Hall between the City Clerk’s Office and the Mayor’s Office. At this time, there are a few pieces of artwork created by local artists on the wall, but Styles-Landgraf envisions it covered with eight- by 10-inch photographs of service men and women standing before the American flag.
Her proposal was discussed at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting – her husband Lance Landgraf is a city commissioner – and the word is starting to spread about the honorarium program.
“We already have one person who responded and we haven’t even started our publicity campaign,” Styles-Landgraf said.
Mayor Beth Holtzman said the wall could eventually lead to recognition of all veterans.
“Serving in the military is such a selfless act that all veterans deserve to be recognized,” she said.
Styles-Landgraf said she would like to see the wall dedicated in May when the Armed Forces have their month-long celebration. Armed Forces Day is May 21.
“Maybe in the beginning or middle of May, because Memorial Day is at the end of the month and that’s when we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.
She is hoping the coronavirus surge will be over by then so an indoor gathering to dedicate the wall can be held, “and City Hall visitors will be able to see our active duty service members.”
Kathy Styles-Landgraf plans to display official military photos of active duty personnel in Ventnor City Hall.
Styles-Landgraf said she got the idea to honor active duty service members when she was on a trip to Vermont.
“A town in New York had banners of active service members hanging in their town. I thought it was so nice that I wanted to do something here in Ventnor,” she said.
Evan Sandt-Landgraf joined the Navy last year and soon after his parents, like other proud military parents, hung a Navy flag at the front of their house.
“As soon as we hung our Navy flag, people started to ask us about who in our household was in the Navy,” she said. “There are other people in Ventnor who may have sons, daughters, nieces, nephews who should similarly be honored. We thought the tribute wall would be a nice way to recognize those willing to serve. They are our new ‘greatest generation.’”
Anyone serving in the five branches of the military or who are in the reserves are eligible to be included on the wall.
Styles-Landgraf said those wishing to see their service member honored should submit the candidate’s official military photo, along with their name, rank and branch of service. She said she will frame the photos uniformly so they can be hung in true military fashion.
“I might consider doing a little fundraiser to help pay for the frames, or I may decide to fund it myself,” she said.
For more information, contact Kathy Styles-Landgraf at 609-330-2195 or email tincup1parrot@gmail.com.
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