Thanksgiving Day at the VA Hospital

Thanksgiving Day at the VA Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL.

This painting was done in 1969 at the height of the Vietnam War. The VA (Veteran's Administration), established to care for military veterans, was at a historically low point in terms of reputation.

Miriam's husband, an Air Force veteran of the Korean War era, was receiving care and therapy at the VA Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in the late 1960's through early 1970's. In the painting, Sonny, her husband, is in the foreground in a red shirt.

Miriam spent many days and hours at the VA while Sonny recovered. Much of that time was spent drawing the scenes she saw there. They are some of her most poignant works.

Alternate title: "The Day Room"