VELVA, ND ( KXNET ) — One Velva Artist is giving back to those who have selflessly served our country.

Lacey Holmen, a paraeducator for the Velva School District, was contacted over the summer by the Velva chapter of the American Legion about doing a mural for the recently renovated Legion Post 39 building.

Holmen, along with American Legion Marketing Secretary, Jodie Frankl, came up with the idea of painting the iconic Iwo Jima, a flag-raising picture, for the outpost.

Holmen began the mural on September 3, finishing up last Saturday. She says she knew right away that this was a project she wanted to undertake.

“I pretty much donated my time. I knew right off the bat, before I even talked to Jody, that this wasn’t something I was going to charge them for because, with having my husband served one time, and I have a lot of family members still alive that have served, and this meant a lot to me,” said Holmen.

Holmen says that in total, the mural took about 17 days and 35 hours to complete.

Even though she received help from other artists while painting the mural, Holmen says the opportunity was a special experience because of her connection to the military.

“I’ve always loved history, especially about the war, so when this opportunity came up, it was very scary for me, but I knew it was something I need to do for me as an artist, but it does mean a lot for me because of the family aspect behind it,” said Holmen.

The Velva chapter of the American Legion are still working on renovations to the new building.

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