The Eyes of Freedom – Lima Company Memorial tribute is a collection of 23 life-sized paintings of Marines from one of the hardest-hit units in Operation Iraqi Freedom. These men gave their lives while deployed in Iraq between May and August of 2005.
The panels in this traveling memorial depict 22 Marines and one Navy Corpsman from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment, who were killed in action. Most were from Ohio, and the others came from seven different states.
The paintings were done by Ohio artist Anita Miller. She used photos to accurately depict the faces of each serviceman.
The memorial display includes pairs of boots and candles placed in front of each serviceman depicted in the life-sized paintings.
This video with Cpl. Mike Strahle (Ret.), Director of the Eyes of Freedom, was recorded at the ICCFA 2013 convention and expo in Tampa. He served with these men and was wounded. One of the medals on his uniform is the Purple Heart.
“The Eyes of Freedom is for all who have answered the call to service,” he said. “Behind each portrait we feel the hearts and spirits of the thousands of men and women who have served our country, in every branch of the armed forces.”
At every place the memorial is displayed, attendees are encouraged to put their names on a Marine Corps Flag in remembrance and solidarity.
The memorial’s appearance at the ICCFA convention and expo was sponsored by Coldspring, the leading quarrier and fabricator of natural stone and bronze manufacturing in North America, and by R+L Carriers.
For more information about The Eyes of Freedom memorial, visit www.LimaCompanyMemorial.org.
Semper Fi!
