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SPRINGFIELD — Lester “Skip” Williams is one of three men who helped install the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Mason Square.
As one of the oldest monuments erected while the war was still on, and one of the only memorials in the nation to honor African American Vietnam Veterans, Williams’ legacy will be honored in Spring for his philanthropy and dedication to him The Field Arts and Entertainment community is remembered nationally.
Williams’ nephew, artistic director and chief curator of art at the Soul Gallery in Springfield, William “Billy” Myers, said that Williams, who died on July 9, had a light-hearted, happy personality that was extremely infectious. .
The commemoration will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Agawam on November 14 at 3 p.m.In lieu of flowers, donate to home of our troops and National Indian Council on Ageing Can be made in Williams’ name.
Williams was born in Springfield in 1936, attended school in the city, and later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Eddie Lee was 10 when Williams retired. They lived on the same street and became like brothers.
“Skip has put on a lot of talent shows and concerts,” Lee said. “Brilliantly talented, he provided a platform for artists to sing, dance and showcase their talents. So many groups from all over the place.”
According to Lee, the journey into the music industry took Williams to the Los Angeles area, where he worked with world-renowned artists and served as road manager for Motown group The Originals.
The granite monument began as a kitchen table dream after Williams heard horrific news from two of his friends, U.S. Army Privates, back-to-back. Gus Stovall Jr. and Army Spc. Ronald Charles Hurst was killed in Vietnam.
“When he heard that our friends Ronny and Gus had passed away, he started doing more concerts to raise money for the monument we called Winchester Square at the time. That was where we all would hang out and enjoy each other’s company places, especially on weekends,” Lee said.
Williams, who once referred to Springfield as “Motor City,” was inspired to roll up his sleeves and make big things happen.
Williams has teamed up with nightclub owner Richard Siberia, local promoter and photographer James B Bradley, and the entertainment industry for a series of successful fundraising concerts.
Built in 1968, the monument is adorned with an eagle and wings raised overhead to honor black citizens and nearby residents who gave their lives in the war.
The tall stone has a central message, three stars, followed by the names of Hearst, Stovall, Marine Corps Cpl. David Lee Owens, Army Special Forces. Norman Cal Faris and Air Force Sgt. James Cecil Stearns.
The memorial reads: “In memory of the black men who gave their lives in service to their country in Vietnam.”
During the memorial’s 50th anniversary, the eagle’s wings were decorated in gold, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno marked June 15, 2018, as “Skip Williams Day” for the City of Springfield.
Williams then moved to Lancaster, California, to reunite with his neighbor friend Lee.
“We’re only five minutes away,” said Lee, who still lives in Lancaster. “He was the most beloved person I ever knew. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. I always told him I would give him credit before he passed. We were close from 1999 until his death .”
Williams was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.
In addition to working with veterans, Williams was an active participant in the Native American community.
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