For the Reporter
SERVICE INK, Veterans’ Tattoos and Their Stories opens at the White River Valley Museum on Wednesday and runs through Nov. 15, continuing its tradition of unique and engaging exhibits.
The exhibit is composed of photographs and stories about 40 individuals’ military inspired tattoos acquired through a community call. It honors veterans, provides a setting for appreciation and discussion, and celebrates the vigor and storytelling inherent in the art of tattoo.
“Viewing this exhibit is a real honor because the participants have graciously invited us into their lives through their tattoos and personal testimonials,” said Patricia Cosgrove, museum director and exhibit curator. “Though the exhibit does include some tough and sometimes sad topics, I think our visitors will find this exhibit remarkable and truly uplifting. You can’t help but ponder the images and want to discuss their stories. So we moved a couch and coffee machine into the gallery for guests to sit and discuss.”
All participants reside in Washington and include active duty and veteran members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Reserves. Tattoos acquired during the Vietnam War are the oldest, and some are still works-in-progress.
Each entry is displayed on a graphic panel of photos with a short story. The messages they portray vary greatly. Nine are memorials for husbands, sons and fellow military members. Several honor the service of others, family military traditions or specific units. One entry expresses feelings associated with being dishonorably discharged in the 1980s because of sexual orientation, another with sexual harassment and rape while in the military.
Some of the tattoos were selected and acquired to help cope with PTSD – often by honoring a spiritual connection to nature, peace and beauty. Many show pride and patriotism.
The exhibit debunks the stereotype of military tattoos as intoxicated rites of passage to reveal a culture of deep symbolism steeped with personal growth and healing.
Some of the stories may break your heart.
“He signed up for the toughest service, the Marines, the toughest job, Marine Corps Infantry, in the most dangerous places in the world, Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2008 he deployed with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines to Afghanistan and was killed along with three other Marines when his Humvee struck an IED,” recounted proud father Michael Washington of his son, Michael T. Washington.
Some of the entries are humorous and engaging.
“My buddy had his tattoo gun and supplies sent to him, and when we weren’t kicking in doors or grabbing up terrorist leaders, we were getting ink,” noted exhibit participant Joshua Apel SFC.
The exhibit was made possible by 4Culture, Auburn VFW Post 1741 and Renton VFW Post 1263.
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Related programs:
• Aug. 5, Nautical Roots of Tattoo Culture, a lecture by Megan Churchill, 7 p.m. Free
• Aug.16, Hori Smoku, Salior Jerry, Film Screening, 2 p.m. Free
• Oct. 10, Military Family Day, noon to 4 p.m. Kids’ activities, historic military fashion show, speakers and music. Free for veterans and their families, everyone welcome.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. On the first Thursday of each month the hours are extended from 6 to 8 p.m. It is located at 918 H St. SE. in Auburn. Regular admission is $5 adults, $2 seniors and children, children 2 years of age or younger are always free. Admission is free for everyone all day on the first Thursday and the third Sunday of every month.
Call 253-288-7433, or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.
