Kapsner to donate paintings to honor veterans at cemetery building

LITTLE FALLS - Little Falls artist Charles Kapsner is undertaking another major local project at the invitation of the Minnesota State Veterans Memorial Association.

Simply put by Kapsner, "This project will honor all veterans, men and women; not the weapons of war, but the people who served in our military and fought in our wars."

What Kapsner is referring to is a four-year project when he will be working on five 8-foot by 10-foot oil paintings that will be on display inside the committal building on the grounds of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. The five paintings will represent each branch of the military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard/Merchant Marine.

At a Minnesota State Veterans Memorial Association meeting recently members voted to commit to the project with a $12,500 startup donation toward the projected $495,000 cost. Jack Peck, association president, said the group would only be responsible for the initial donation with the balance covered by individual and group donations, grants and other areas.

A committee of the Minnesota State Veterans Memorial Association was formed several years ago, led by former State Rep. Gordon Gerling of Little Falls, to commission Kapsner to design and paint the canvases that will commemorate veterans for their sacrifices in all wars, rather than eulogize a particular war as most memorials do.

Peck added, "This memorial will serve as an educational tool to help future generations understand our history and the role our military plays in maintaining freedom and democracy."

Other committee members include Lyle Nelson of Randall who has been active in the association since its beginning and past president of the association; Greg Zylka, manager of Coborn's grocery, president of the Little Falls School Board; Susan Prosapio, chairperson of the Great River Arts Association; Shirley Zablocki, association secretary and treasurer, past president of the Little Falls American Legion Auxiliary and past district president; and Dave Swantek, director of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.