Local veterans honored through powerful portrait exhibit sharing stories of service

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)–As celebrations of America’s 250th birthday continue, a new photography exhibit is honoring veterans from multiple generations by telling the stories behind their service.

“I was surprised. I didn’t expect this.”

Those were the words of 102-year-old World War II veteran George Van Vekoven after seeing himself featured in “It’s Not Black and White: A Visual Tribute to the Complexity of American Military Service.”

Van Vekoven said it was an honor to be included in the exhibit alongside other local veterans whose stories of service are being preserved through portraits and personal narratives.

“I tried civilian life for 12 years. I didn’t like it, so I went to the Air Force,” Van Vekoven said. “I was in a bomber in World War II and a fighter pilot in Korea and Vietnam.”

The gallery opened to a packed crowd Friday afternoon, with visitors viewing side-by-side portraits of veterans as they are today alongside photographs from their time in uniform. Each display also includes a biography highlighting the veteran’s military service and personal experiences.

Artist Charlie Baggett created the exhibit after losing several loved ones during the Vietnam War. She said the project is her way of honoring those who served while helping others better understand the experiences that shaped them.

“They would tell me about an experience, and I would write everything down,” Baggett said. “Then I would ask them to go back to that time, think about it, and open their eyes. That’s when I snapped the picture. What you’re seeing is them going back to an intense time.”

For Cyrnda Smith, whose father Billy Turner served from 1963 to 1966, the exhibit is a meaningful tribute to his sacrifices. Turner served during a time of widespread racial discrimination against African Americans, making his military service even more significant to his family.

“He fought for so many people to have freedom and things that he didn’t have himself,” Smith said. “It’s absolutely been amazing.”

Veteran Christopher James said the exhibit is about more than preserving stories — it’s also about changing how people view those who served.

“We did what we wanted to do when we wanted to do it,” James said. “It just so happened to be a service to the nation.”

James hopes visitors leave the gallery understanding that veterans are not defined by hardship but by their commitment to serving their country — and that they are just as proud of their service as the communities that honor them.

The gallery will remain open through Aug. 22. Visitors can view the exhibit Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.