The Eyes of Freedom: The Lima Company Memorial

The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial, is a Veteran-serving organization, honoring the service and sacrifice of all who answer our Nation’s call...then, now and tomorrow. Eight large scale canvases depict the 23 fallen of Lima Co, a Marine Reserve Unit based out of Columbus, Ohio who suffered severe losses during their deployment in Iraq in 2005. Although the life sized portraits depict specific individuals, they become every man and woman who have ever served our Nation when the visitor looks into their eyes. The portraits are accompanied by the fallen’s own combat boots which stand at the base of the canvas, as well as an ever living candle. Additionally, this nationally touring exhibition includes a life sized bronze sculpture entitled, "Silent Battle" which illustrates a combat veteran grieving the loss of his fellow service member. Visitors can hear about the artist’s experience in creating the work, as well as a fellow Lima Company Marine who gives insight from the combat perspective in an audio tour. Together with interactive kiosks, this traveling Memorial allows visitors a personal glimpse into the Veteran experience providing a unique healing opportunity for the Veteran and their families and friends. The Eyes of Freedom paintings were unveiled in 2008 in the Ohio State House Rotunda in Columbus, Ohio. Created by artist, Anita Miller with the help of the families and friends of the fallen, the paintings have been traveling the country ever since. In 2018, as a response to the ever increasing suicide and mental health crisis in the Veteran community, the same artist created Silent Battle, a sculpture inspired by and guided by a Veteran well familiar with those issues. The touring exhibition has been on display in over 350 venues in 33 states. Lauded as a unique, emotional and healing experience, the work opens the door for Veterans and their families to share their own stories.