SPRINGFIELD — Lester “Skip” Williams is certainly one of three males who helped to put in the Vietnam Memorial Monument at Mason Sq..
As one of many oldest monuments erected whereas the conflict was nonetheless in progress and one of many solely monuments that honors African American Vietnam veterans within the nation, Williams’ legacy can be remembered within the Springfield arts and leisure group for his philanthropy and dedication to his nation.
Williams, who died on July 9, had a lightsome and joyful persona that was infectious, mentioned William “Billy” Myers, Williams’ nephew and creative director and chief curator for Artwork for the Soul Gallery in Springfield.
A memorial can be held Nov 14 at 3 p.m. on the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, donations to Homes for Our Troops and National Indian Council on Aging will be made in Williams’ honor.
Born in Springfield, in 1936, Williams attended faculty within the metropolis and later served within the U.S. Military throughout the Korean Conflict.
Eddie Lee was 10 years previous when Williams was discharged from the Military. They lived on the identical road and have become like brothers.
“Skip was already placing on loads of expertise reveals and live shows,” Lee mentioned. “There was a lot expertise and he gave artists a platform to sing, dance and showcase their expertise. So many teams got here from throughout.”
In keeping with Lee, the journey into the music trade introduced Williams to the Los Angeles space, the place he labored with world-renowned artists and as a street supervisor for the Motown group The Originals.
The granite monument began off as a kitchen desk dream after Williams heard the back-to-back horrible information that two of his pals, U.S. Military Pvt. Gus Stovall Jr. and Military Spc. Ronald Charles Hurst, had been killed in Vietnam.
“As soon as he heard of our pals Ronny and Gus passing, he began to carry extra live shows to boost cash for the monument in, at the moment, what we known as Winchester Sq.. That’s the place we might all hang around and revel in one another’s firm, particularly on the weekends,” Lee mentioned.
Williams, who as soon as known as Springfield a “little Motown,” was impressed to roll up his sleeves and make one thing massive occur.
Williams collaborated with nightclub proprietor Richard Sibilia, native promoter and photographer James B. Bradley and the leisure group for a sequence of live shows that had been profitable fundraisers.
Put in in 1968, the monument adorned with an eagle and wings raised above its head honors the Black residents and residents of the neighborhood who gave their lives within the conflict.
The tall stone has a middle message, three stars and is adopted by the names of Hurst, Stovall, Marine Lance Cpl. David Lee Owens, Military Spc. Norman Carl Farris and Air Drive Sgt. James Cecil Starnes.
The monument reads, “In reminiscence of the Negro males that gave their lives in Vietnam in service of their nation.”
On the 50-year commemoration of the monument, the eagle’s wings had been enhanced with gold and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno marked June 15, 2018, as “Skip Williams Day” within the metropolis of Springfield.
Williams, who had by that point moved to Lancaster, California, met up again up along with his neighborhood pal Lee.
“We had been 5 minutes away from one another,” mentioned Lee, who nonetheless lives in Lancaster. “He was probably the most beloved man I knew. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. I at all times advised him I might give him his accolades earlier than he handed. From 1999 till his passing, we had been at all times shut.”
Williams was a proud father, grandfather, nice grandfather, uncle and buddy.
Along with working with veterans, Williams was additionally an lively participant in Native American communities.
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