More than 60 years ago, words scrawled on letters and postcards reached across thousands of miles in a time of war to calm an anxious family. The writer was Vanita Oelschlager’s father and she was one of three young children waiting with their mother for his return home at the end of World War II.
Now the children’s book author is hoping to provide comfort and understanding to a new generation of children with “Postcards from a War.” Oelschlager is scheduled to be among the speakers at The University of Akron’s observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
“Postcards” is about a boy whose mother has recently been deployed to a theater of war. His grandfather, who was about the same age when his father left to serve in World War II, helps him understand why she has gone away. He shares with his grandson postcards and letters sent by his father from the Philippines. The book features postcards and letters sent by Oelschlager’s father.
The campus observance of Veterans Day actually begins on Nov. 10 with UA’s Army Reserve Officers Training Corps 42nd Ohio Volunteer Battalion conducting a 24-hour vigil. Cadets will begin standing guard over a symbolic eternal flame at 11:11 a.m., at the Buchtel Common flagpole.
On Nov. 11, a continental breakfast honoring veterans will be held at Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, beginning at 8 a.m., Scheduled to speak, in addition to Oelschlager, are U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan and Betty Sutton. Larry Van Camp, a U.S. Army World War II prisoner of war, and Cadet Josha Bochkor will read the Ex-Prisoner of War Pledge of Allegiance.
At 10 a.m., everyone will gather at the Buchtel Common flagpole. Veterans from all the branches of service that have served in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War will conduct a wreath laying ceremony. There also will be a 21-gun salute and addresses by Col. William Nome, Ohio Military Reserve, and retired Army Maj. Dave Sears. At 11:11 a.m., the honor guard will conclude its vigil.
Immediately following the ROTC Veterans Day Observance, two more events are scheduled.
At 11:30 a.m. in the Martin University Center Library, Oelschlager will sign copies of “Postcards from a War.”
Also at 11:30 a.m., UA’s Military Services Center will host the first of what it hopes will become an annual event. “Honoring Those Who Serve Celebration” will continue until 2:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. The social gathering, planned to express appreciation for their service, is for students, faculty and staff that are veterans, military service members and their families, and invited guests. The event will feature food and raffle prizes.
Food contributors include UA Dining Services, The SOuRCe, Subway, Jimmy Johns, Gionino’s Pizza, Papa John’s Pizza and Shearer’s Chips. The Student Union is donating the use of the ballroom.
Prizes to be given away include a Cleveland Browns autographed football; Cleveland Indians gear and an autographed picture of former Indians pitcher Cliff Lee, now with the Philadelphia Phillies; mugs, pens and T-shirts from the Office of Admissions; pairs of men’s and women’s basketball tickets from the Department of Athletics; gear, T-shirts and certificates from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center; wristbands and pens from Docu-Zip; tickets to “Taming of the Shrew” from the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration; five $8 gift certificates from Panera Bread; and two $10 gift certificates from BW-3 Buffalo Wild Wings.
For more information, call 330-972-7454.
Media Contact: Sarah Lane, 330-972-7429 or slane@uakron.edu.