Blue Star Mothers host car show
The event on Nov. 16 will take place at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.
Wilson Martins Sr., left, and Wilson Martins Jr. are seen at their business, Martins Cars, on Nov. 3 with a 1963 1/2 Ford Galaxie XL 500 sedan rebuilt by the father and son duo. The Galaxie is scheduled to be on display at the Blue Star Mothers Veterans Car Show on Nov. 16 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]
The second annual Ocala Blue Star Mothers Veterans Day Car Show on Nov. 16 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park will feature scores of collectible cars, military vehicles, food trucks, a kids’ zone, music and more.
The event promises to have a lot of entertainment for the car lover and the whole family as well, according to Anne Parker, president of the local chapter of the national group that supports military families.
Last year’s show included at least 80 vehicles and raised about $5,000, which was used to install a Blue Star Mothers monument in the park. The group’s goal this year is to raise $10,000 “to support the Marion County Veterans Park,” Parker stated.
Food trucks scheduled to be at the show include Curbside Cuisine, McFoodland, Country Boyz BBQ, The Donut Express, Pepere Joes, Ice Cream Mustache, Timeless Treats and Giggles Popcorn Company. The event also will include a raffle, silent auction and more.
Wilson Martins Sr. stands next to a 1980 Chevrolet C-10 Cheyenne “shop truck” at Martins Cars in Ocala on Nov. 3. The pickup is scheduled to be on display at the Blue Star Mothers Veterans Car Show. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]
The father and son refurbished both vehicles. The truck was purchased from a family member and the Galaxie was found “in boxes” and purchased from a local private party.
Th elder Martins said members of his family are military veterans and he supports the efforts of the Ocala Blue Star Mothers organization.
George Schmitz of the On Top of the World community tentatively plans to display his 1962 mechanically fuel Injected Chevrolet C-1 Corvette. Schmitz, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1956 to 1965, purchased the “‘Vette” the same year he completed his military service.
Ron Oppliger, chairman of The Friends of Marion County’s Veterans Park, said the Ocala Blue Star Mothers group helps raise public awareness about the park and the group plans a project to enhance the park with the proceeds from each show.
The Blue Star Mothers monument at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. [Submitted photo]
The roots of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., a “veterans service organization,” traces back to 1942 and mothers volunteering during World War II, according to bluestarmothers.org. The group was chartered by Congress I. 1960 and now has about 6,000 members in 200 chapters, the website indicates.
“We are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. We support each other and our children while promoting patriotism,” the organization’s mission statement on the website reads. “Our organization focuses on our mission every single day and will never, ever, forsake our troops, our veterans or the families of our Fallen Heroes.”
The Blue Star Flag, or service flag, was adopted in World War I and “quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service” and a tradition started that a gold star should stand for a lost service member, according to the website.
Parker’s said Blue Star Mothers members have been a “wonderful” source of support for her family since 2007 when her daughter, now 42, joined the U.S. Army. Parker has a son now in the Army and her daughter is still serving.
“Both of my children were in college ROTC, but it was different when they actually deployed. My fellow Blue Star Mothers members have been a great support system,” Parker shared.
“I have friends in the organization nationwide I can call anytime,” Parker said.
The car show will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park at 2601 N.E. Fort King St., Ocala. Vehicle entry is $25. The event is free for spectators.
To learn more, call (843) 504-0032 and visit ocalabluestarmothers.org
George Schmitz poses next to his 1962 Chevrolet Corvette, which he purchased in 1965 upon leaving the Army where he had served since 1956. The Vette is tentatively scheduled to be on display at the Blue Star Mothers Veterans Car Show. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]
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