What a marvelous time was had with George Gaadt as our guest speaker for D-Day, June 6, 2016! Could there be any better presenter? It’s doubtful, as George loves military history and is always willing to share it with others.
He’s a wonderful researcher and combines his incredible artistic talents as a famous illustrator with his world-wide collections and we all become the richer for it! Let these photos speak for themselves!
George’s subject was focused on one particular man who made world history on D-Day: Nicholas Russin of Lyndora, Pennsylvania, from near Butler, an unknown PFC in the famous WWII photo for many years, who was rescued by his friends after he had saved the lives of so many others.
There could be no better place to be this June 6, 2016, D-Day at Moon Township’s Municipal Building. We had a full house of members and guests.
Click here to read more about George Gaadt’s illustrative career!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_S._Gaadt
So glad to call him our friend!
About the Artist: George Gaadt
http://www.gaadtstudio.com/AboutTheArtist.htm
George began with this slide on D-Day
Mim Bizic was so happy to introduce George Gaadt to the audience as she had worked with him on many other historical projects with Quaker Valley Schools and the Sewickley Valley Historical Society for over 30 years. She knew the amazing kind of work he did as an artist and researcher. She bragged about George’s affiliation with the NFL as their official illustrator and photographer for twenty five years, about his artistic illustrations work with the National Geographic for their Pony Express issue, as the designer of the covers of so many Hardy Boy series, and so many more. She also named all the big brand names George had worked for throughout the years. Mim told the audience of George’s willingness to come to the Edgeworth Elementary School each Veterans Day, November 11, to share different subjects, objects and thorough knowledge with the children. “He’s a marvelous EDUCATOR. He will always be my REAL-LIFE hero,” she emphasized, leading the audience to break into a real hearty welcome of claps for their speaker. He didn’t disappoint. He never does!
MTHS President opens the meeting for the evening….with George Gaadt in the background.
George shows a slide of Nicholas & his parents.
June 6, D-Day, 1944. This photo made world history and is shown many times on D-Day.
U.S. Army Honorary Discharge information for PFC Nicholas Russin, American hero on D-Day.
George had three full tables full of impressive displays concerning Nicholas Russin’s life.
The C.C.C. banner is from the Civilian Conservation Corps, of which Nicholas Russin was a member. The government usually selected one male out of the family to induct into the C.C.C. as a way for them to help support the struggling families during the lingering Depression years. Sometimes the recruit was given $5, while $20 or $25 per month was sent directly to the families.
Long time friends, Mim Bizic and George Gaadt
George with Mim’s neighbor, young historian, Avery Kaminski, studying at OSU in Ohio.
OSU historian Avery Kaminski USED to be only knee-high to Mim, but look what happened! Avery was sure glad he was in attendance!
The photo below was taken with George Gaadt and Nicholas Russin’s daughters in Washington, DC where George was presented with a BEST OF SHOW award for his display.
Speaker Series-Co Chair Amy Ottavinia and Secretary Patty Zerishnek show the patriotic theme they had for this evening’s social hour.
Patricia and Don Maloney with the Warhola sisters from Lyndora, who were neighbors of Nicholas Russin! They are related to the famous +Andy Warhol, of Pittsburgh. We all enjoyed coffee and cake afterwards!