Eyes of Freedom Memorial Stops in Ohio to honor sacrifice of fallen soldiers

BARNESVILLE, Ohio (WTRF) — The Eyes of Freedom Memorial is a true reminder of how many great soldiers were lost for our freedom.

This weekend in Barnesville, we all have a chance to see the traveling memorial in person.

In the spring of 2005, the Lima Company was deployed to Iraq.

Over the course of several months, from May to August of that year, twenty-two Marines and one Navy Corpsman were killed in action.

The news of their losses hit central Ohio hard, and people came together to express their compassion for the families.

“It’s an absolute privilege for me. I’m an Army veteran. In the paintings, we have the Marines and the Navy corpsman. But at the end of the day, we’re brothers and sisters in arms and we support each other. You know, thick and thin.”

Kelly Jones – Swenson: Executive Director

The artist who created the memorial, Anita Miller, had no previous connection to the marines, however, she had a vision to bring comfort to the Gold Star Families.

Nearly two and a half years later, the Lima company Memorial was unveiled at the Ohio Statehouse and displayed for 6 months before touring the country.

“It’s really a blessing for me to be here and see that these men are honored rather than being forgotten.”

Kurt Turner – Author, Veteran

The Eyes of Freedom Memorial is on display at Barnesville Middle School from today until Sunday September 29 ^th .

The memorial is open to the public from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.p.m. on Sunday.

This memorial is a solemn reminder that many soldiers have paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom.

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