The American Legion was founded in 1919, a few years before her grandfather was born, so she asked the Post’s commander what she could do to honor both and that’s how the pysanky egg donation started. So I’ve been doing it for 35 to 40 years,” said Argust. “As I got older I decided to master the craft and make various designs over the years. Over the years the designs became more involved. She learned the craft from her grandmother when she was young, a tradition in Ukraine. Joseph Soika received three Bronze Stars and eventually settled in Kline Township.Īrgust recently added to the legion’s donation display with an egg honoring the American Legion Auxiliary.
The work honors her grandfather who fought at the Battle of the Bulge and in northern France in World War II. She created a series of eggs for the American Legion Post 173 in Tamaqua one for each branch of the military. Michelle Argust makes Hungarian pysanky easter eggs as a hobby, but her work has a serious side. On this week’s Veterans Voices, a local artist wanted to do something special to pay tribute to her military grandfather, so she designed a delicate piece of art for her local American Legion Post. TAMAQUA, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) - Paying tribute to our armed service members comes in all different shapes and sizes, and a display of artistic eggs in Schuylkill County is proof.
