FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bethlehem, PA – To combat Veterans’ feelings of isolation and depression accompanying Traumatic Brain Injury and mounting societal issues, Resurrecting Lives Foundation and PISANO Artistry have joined forces to launch a unique national campaign: Veterans Standing Together Across America (VSTAA). VSTAA sponsors Patriotic events connecting Veterans with their communities. Their goal is to bridge the civilian-military gap, connect veterans with resources, and foster healing and strength. VSTAA is a one-of-a-kind patriotic art program recalling history, displaying honor and promoting healing.
The center of this movement is the 3D artwork of USN Chief Retired Joe Pisano with his STAND TOGETHER Flag, an American Flag created with drywall screws. These flags will travel throughout the country; each state with its own unique flag, inviting Vets to celebrate their service by signing the artwork’s frame.
The National Museum of Industrial History will serve as a host site for the STAND TOGETHER Flag with an unveiling and signing event on September 28th at 1pm. The artist will be on site to share more about the ongoing project.
Additionally, the flag will be on display and available for signing during the Museum’s annual Steel Weekend. This annual celebration of all things steel will return to the SteelStacks campus on October 11th and 12th, and will feature demonstrations, panel discussions, lectures, music, a live iron pour, family-friendly activities and much more. The special theme for Steel Weekend 2025 focuses on Veterans.
As a special highlight of Steel Weekend, NMIH volunteers Bruce Ward, Ed Leskin, Mary Lafferty, and Bette Kovach are currently working on a documentary about the work of the Steelworkers Veterans Memorial Committee to create a memorial honoring Steelworker Veterans. The memorial, which was originally dedicated in 1989, now resides on the Museum’s plaza. The documentary will premiere at the Museum the afternoon of Oct. 11th. Guests can also attend an important talk by NMIH Historian Mike Piersa about the significance of the Bethlehem Steel No. 2 Machine Shop on Oct. 12th. Following the lecture will be an inspiring performance by the Bethlehem Steel Legacy Band.
A full schedule of events will be posted on the Museum’s website at https://www.nmih.org/
Learn more about VSTAA at veteransstandingtogetheracrossamerica.org
Learn more about Resurrecting Lives Foundation at resurrectinglives.org
Learn more about the Steelworkers Veterans Memorial at https://www.nmih.org/steelworkers-veterans-memorial-rededicated-at-the-national-museum-of-industrial-history/
Learn more about the Bethlehem Steel Legacy Band at https://artmusicemporium.com/bethlehem-steel-cl-band
ABOUT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
A Smithsonian Institution-affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Housed in an 18,000-square-foot, 110-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs and amazing history. Learn more at nmih.org.
Media Contact: Megan Pildis, Director of Development, NMIH, [email protected], 610-428-3053 (cell)
