CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial is the latest addition to the many events that have become part of Welcome Home Veterans Week in Clarksville, Tenn. September 13-17, 2017.
This traveling memorial depicts the fallen Marines and Navy Corpsman of Columbus, OH based Lima Company 3/25, one of the most heavily engaged units of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These 23 life-sized portraits have become a powerful traveling veterans tribute to honor the service and sacrifice of all who answer our nation’s call – then, now and tomorrow. These eyes reflect the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have sacrificed defending our freedom. Behind each portrait, one feels the spirit of the thousands of men and women who have served our country, in every branch of the armed forces, not forgetting the returning veterans now suffering from post traumatic stress.
Like so many people in Ohio who heard of the Lima Company tragedies in 2005, Columbus resident and artist Anita Miller’s heart tore for the families of the fallen. Two months later, she awoke in the middle of the night with a vision of the completed memorial standing in the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda. Anita would work for the next two and a half years to make her vision a reality. In May, 2008 the Lima Company Memorial was unveiled in the Statehouse Rotunda, just as her vision foretold.
The exhibit will be located at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery, 1100 Dunlop Lane. It will be open for public display Thursday, September 14 at noon through Sunday, September 17 at 3 p.m.
Also on exhibit at Beachaven during Welcome Home Veterans Week are the American Traveling Tribute Wall and the Field of Honor – Veterans Tribute flag display.
For details about all activities, please visit welcomehomeveteranscelebration.com.
To volunteer or participate in any of the activities or events, please contact Frances Manzitto by email at frances@visitclarksvilletn.com or call 931-245-4345.