Peter Finnegan & Bob Seitz

press release: This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War – a time in our history that continues to impact our current culture and community. Please join with Housing Initiatives and Overture Center for an insightful and moving photo exhibition, The Vietnam War and Its Lasting Impact, as we remember those who gave so much for our country and explore how this unique moment in America's history continues to affect people of all ages today.

The photography is the work of two Wisconsin Vietnam War veterans: Peter Finnegan (Madison) and Bob Seitz (Tomahawk). Pete and Bob served together, but had not seen each other since the War. Housing Initiatives reunited them after 50 years to share their story. While this exhibition is Bob's first showing of his work, Peter has been sharing his traveling photo exhibit since the late '90s.

“Recognizing and remembering the War has helped myself and other veterans with our healing, a process that never seems to be complete. For others both young and old, my work sparks curiosity and interest in a time that is still meaningful and relevant,” explains Finnegan.

Overture Galleries are free and open to the public. Gallery hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Exhibit Reception September 21 (5 - 8 p.m., free and open to the public)

We're delighted to announce our special guests for the reception will be Madison's Doug Bradley and Craig Werner, authors of the award-winning book We Gotta Get Out of This Place. Doug and Craig will discuss how popular music was at the heart of the American experience in Vietnam.

Unfortunately, one of the consequences of War has been veteran homelessness. Mayor Soglin and County Executive Parisi are committed to ending veteran homelessness in Madison by the end of this year. In the last two years, thanks to a wide-reaching community effort, Madison has decreased veteran homelessness from over 120 homeless vets to now less than 60.

Dean Loumos, Executive Director of Housing Initiatives, explains, “We are proud to be a part of a community effort to end veteran homelessness. Of the 40 veterans we currently house, many of them are Vietnam War vets, now in their senior years continuing to face psychological and physical disabilities due to their service. We are committed to ending veteran homelessness for the good of our vets and our community.”

Housing Initiatives will update the community on Madison's progress toward ending veteran homelessness and highlight Housing Initiatives' current project to house 60 homelessness neighbors with mental illness, including veterans.