Arcola, Illinois, USA, One of several murals scattered around Arcola Illinois that provide links to the community's past or boasts its praises.
One of several murals scattered around Arcola Illinois that provide links to the community's past or boasts its praises. Arcola is located in the heart of Amish country and has a strong small town America feel and heritage. This mural recognized a long time Arcola resident, Joe Ernst, that in 1941 served a bus load of people of color including Ella Fitzgerald at a local restaurant. He was fired the next day for his actions. Ernst served in the US Navy during World War II including being at the Normandy invasion on D-Day, June 6, 1944. For his heroism at Omaha Beach on D-Day, Ernst was eventually decorated by the Consul General of France on July 21, 2009 in Chicago with the National Order of the Legion of Honor, the highest decoration bestowed by France to a non-citizen. Following World War II, Ernst returned to Arcola and was a garage mechanic for 50 years. Ernst passed away in 2015 at the age of 91.
Size: 5425px × 3615px
Location: Arcola, Illinois, USA
Photo credit: © Bruce Leighty / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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