Anchors Aweigh

"Anchors Aweigh" by Alex Anderson was featured in the "A Better World" Exhibition at Houston 2019.

Artist Statement: "I'm beyond thrilled that my art work has been accepted into "A Better World", an art quilt exhibit highlighting heroes in our world who have worked for the greater good. I chose my Dad, Joe Sladky.

You won’t find a monument with his name on Main Street, or a statue in the town square, but he’s a hero nonetheless. How else to describe a man who spent much of his 94 years in service to others, in ways both large and small? A lifetime sailor, he served his country honorably and proudly as a Navy Lt JG during World War II, eventually settling his young family in Northern California. There, his dedicated commitment to giving—often quietly, behind the scenes—helped to build his small town’s educational, medical, and humanitarian communities. From serving on the school board to playing Santa at the local Senior Center, he was always ready with a hand and a smile. His philosophy was simple: to provide a solid secure mooring; to teach, support and encourage; and then—when the moment was right—to let go for a smooth sail, guided by the stars.

A hero? Yes. But also an outstanding citizen, friend, husband, father . . .

my father:

Joseph F. Sladky (July 19, 1923 – August 12, 2017)"