The eight paintings depict the 23 fallen heroes who died in Iraq in 2005, done by artist Anita Miller.
Gail Allen | R-H photos
Lance Cpl. Brett Wightman is memorialized in this panel, the son of Kevin and Kim Wightman of Washington Court House.
The bronze sculpture depicts a grieving warrior cradling the dogtags of his friend lost in battle.
The paintings and statue travel in a special semi-trailer with the pictures of the memorials shown on the sides.
WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE — The Eyes of Freedom paintings were created to honor those Marines and one Navy Corpsman of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment, who died in service to their country in Iraq in 2005. The members of the Marine Reserve Unit represented seven states, but most were from Ohio.
The Eyes of Freedom paintings, by artist Anita Miller, now travel the country on display to honor those lost in battle. These paintings graced the halls of the American Legion Post #25, 1240 Clinton Ave., Saturday. The paintings represent the 23 fallen heroes in that conflict.
For many veterans, returning home does not bring peace, because the battle continues as they combat the many effects of post-traumatic stress (PTS).
The bronze sculpture “Silent Battle” was created by artist Anita Miller to bear witness to this struggle as military families navigate life after combat. The sculpture depicts a grieving warrior cradling the dogtags of his friend lost in combat, and the pain and struggles faced after returning home and the many being affected by mental issues and suicide.
Kelly Jones-Swenson is the executive director of the Eyes of Freedom non-profit organization in Columbus. She travels with the display to educate, honor, and connect people with the memories of the fallen. She said that next year will be the 20th anniversary of the 2005 battle of the fallen in Lima Company.
Jones-Swenson said that of the 186 men deployed in Lima Company, six committed suicide after they returned home from battle.
There is a Gold Star Family right here in Washington Court House. Keith and Kim Wightman were in attendance to honor their son, Lance Corporal William “Brett” Wightman, who is depicted on one of the paintings.
American Legion Commander John King said that they invited the Eyes of Freedom organization to bring the display to Washington Court House and they funded its appearance. King also wanted to give credit to Master Sgt. John W. Wilson of the Greenfield McClain Cadet Corp for their assistance in this endeavor. The Cadet Corp helped assemble the display at the legion.
The display was open to the public at the American Legion Post on Saturday. The American Legion Riders motorcyclists gathered there to pay their respects as well.
