Project we've been working on.

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
J

jfactor1

New DJ
Aug 8, 2006
2,496
0
49
Central Michigan
Since it's Veteran's Day I thought I'd share a project that we've been working on.

As some of you know, we lost my brother-in-law in 2007 to an IED in Iraq. The main reason we relocated was so my wife could be closer to her family after that.

In October 2007 we visited Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. On base there is a memorial for the 25th Infantry. It features a Soldier's Cross, an OIF/OEF soldier, a Vietnam era soldier, Korean war and WWII soldiers. The modern solider (bronze) is mourning his fallen comrade. Right behind the the Vietnam era soldier (gray, to represent soldiers who are no longer with us) is reaching out to comfort him along with the Korean and WWII soldiers.

We really wanted to honor Casey and decided that the best way to do that was to honor all service members. So we contacted the artist who designed the memorial and she agreed to let us use the molds to build another memorial in our small town of Coleman, Michigan.

Ours is the only memorial of this design in the continental US and is the only one that is open to the public (the one in Hawaii is on base and you can't just walk in there).

Anyways, I thought you guys might appreciate it.

www.colemanveteransmemorial.org
 
jfactor1 said:
Since it's Veteran's Day I thought I'd share a project that we've been working on.

As some of you know, we lost my brother-in-law in 2007 to an IED in Iraq. The main reason we relocated was so my wife could be closer to her family after that.

In October 2007 we visited Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. On base there is a memorial for the 25th Infantry. It features a Soldier's Cross, an OIF/OEF soldier, a Vietnam era soldier, Korean war and WWII soldiers. The modern solider (bronze) is mourning his fallen comrade. Right behind the the Vietnam era soldier (gray, to represent soldiers who are no longer with us) is reaching out to comfort him along with the Korean and WWII soldiers.

We really wanted to honor Casey and decided that the best way to do that was to honor all service members. So we contacted the artist who designed the memorial and she agreed to let us use the molds to build another memorial in our small town of Coleman, Michigan.

Ours is the only memorial of this design in the continental US and is the only one that is open to the public (this one in Hawaii is on base and you can't just walk in there).

Anyways, I thought you guys might appreciate it.

www.colemanveteransmemorial.org
Click to expand...

Wow, what a wonderful dedication to a fallen hero, to take on this project in your community! My condolences to you and yours on the loss of your brother-in-law but please know that many of us Americans honor his service and dedication to the freedom that we all enjoy everyday. Peace be with you and your family!
 
DJ Auntie M said:
Wow, what a wonderful dedication to a fallen hero, to take on this project in your community! My condolences to you and yours on the loss of your brother-in-law but please know that many of us Americans honor his service and dedication to the freedom the we all enjoy everyday. Peace be with you and your family!
Click to expand...

Better words cannot be said. Beautiful memorial.
 
Not many images are as emotional as a the fallen soilder's Inverted rifle display.

In the Army and other branches of the U.S. military, most units prepare a visible reminder of the deceased soldier with a display of a pair of combat boots and an inverted rifle with the soldier’s helmet and dog tags hanging on it.

Army lore indicates the helmet and identification tags signify the fallen soldier. The inverted rifle with bayonet signals a time for prayer and a break in the action to pay tribute to the dead. The combat boots represent the final march of the last battle.

Not sure of the origin of the following but it is difficult to read with a cold heart:

The soldier stood and faced his God
Which must always come to pass...
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders
and Said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't...
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk was tough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.

But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here...
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod...
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God,

"Step forward now you soldier,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back