All About Helping It's all about helping. Herman Wright's art exhibit this weekend showcased the beauty of our country and the artist's dedication to the men and women who serve it. (Photo Barbara Martin)

Herman Wright is a patriot who also paints. His art visually interprets the words of "America the Beautiful," fleshing out the images of the majesty of purple mountains and fields of waving grain that lie between the shining seas of our shores.

The American Legion Post #42 was the backdrop for a showing of Wright's art last Saturday, with the proceeds from sales going to causes that serve veterans.

"My job is to paint for veterans," Wright said. "Whatever they need is what I'll do, and this is one way I can contribute."

Wright chooses to champion the beauty of our country on his canvasses. "I know that the comrades I left behind when I was done with active service just wanted to see the peace of home," he said.

Wright served his country for two years during the Vietnam War. He is a former state commander of the American Legion and also a member of the VFW where he remains active. "It a national tragedy for any of our veterans to be homeless or unable to find work," he said.

Wright lives with his wife in Edgecomb and is the father of four children. Although his heart is clearly devoted to his avocation, he does have a day job at Bath Iron Works.

"I'm proud that we build the best warships in the world. We build ships for freedom," Wright said. "During World War II, BIW built 42 ships in 17 days."

Wright's job at Bath Iron Works also holds a central place in his expressed purpose to promote the nation's welfare. "My grandmother worked there, and she did it for freedom," he added. "My grandfather and father also worked there.

Wright has painted for 40 years, but he won't let the conversation stray far from his passionate devotion to our country. "I live for the flag," he said. "We salute it when we first go to school. We go to war led by the flag, and when we die, we rest under the flag."

It doesn't take long to learn that Herman Wright is a patriot beyond compare; a patriot who paints to preserve what he loves.