STATEHOUSE NEWS

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“The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial” has returned to Capitol Square. The memorial will be on display in the Rotunda of the Statehouse for a special 10^th anniversary exhibition from May 21 to May 27, 2018. The exhibit was first unveiled at the Ohio Statehouse in May 2008, and after more than 270 events honoring service and sacrifice all over the country, the memorial returns to the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse, where the journey began. The display was created in memory of 22 fallen Marines and a Navy Corpsman from Lima Company, 3^rd Battalion, 25^th Marine Regiment who lost their lives while serving in Iraq in 2005. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Additions and Changes to the Memorial

Although the paintings and the emotional impact have not changed, some new elements have been added. Heavy steel frames have been replaced with aluminum frames. A video accompanying the exhibit highlights the trip the memorial has made over the past decade. Another grand addition to the Eyes of Freedom is a life-size bronze sculpture called “Silent Battle,” sculpted by Anita Miller. It now travels the nation bringing awareness to the veteran suicide epidemic and other issues relating to post traumatic stress. Silent Battle offers support for those navigating life after combat, suffering the hidden wounds of war.

Attendants will be on hand daily to interact with visitors. Guests may also interact with the Lima Company Memorial. Cards available with QR codes lead to videos that tell the story of the men depicted in the paintings and comments by the artist.

Guests may add to the memorial, by writing a personal message on the back of a dog tag. Dog tags are available for purchase in the Statehouse Museum Shop on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse, along with other commemorative items. Dog tags may be put into the boots which are part of the Lima Company Memorial. The dog tags will travel with the exhibit and become a part of the memorial.

The display of the Lima Company Memorial will be in the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse from May 21 to May 27. It is free and open to the public.


About the Lima Company Memorial

The Ohio-based Marine Reserve unit, once known as “Lucky Lima,” was one of the hardest hit units in Operation Iraqi Freedom, suffering casualties of 22 Marines and their Navy Corpsman. Created by Columbus artist Anita Miller, the memorial contains life-sized paintings of each of the 23 fallen heroes. Names and statistics of each of the fallen men, an ever-living candle, boots and space for visitors to leave mementos will be part of this moving memorial installation.

The Fallen heroes include:
Private First Class Christopher R. Dixon
Lance Corporal Christopher P. Lyons
Staff Sergeant Anthony L. Goodwin
Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis Youngblood (Navy Corpsman)
Sergeant Justin F. Hoffman
Staff Sergeant Kendall H. Ivy II
Lance Corporal Nicholas William B. Bloem
Corporal Andre L. Williams
Lance Corporal Grant B. Fraser
Lance Corporal Aaron H. Reed
Lance Corporal Edward A. Schroeder II
Lance Corporal William B. Wightman
Lance Corporal Timothy M. Bell, Jr.
Lance Corporal Eric J. Bernholtz
Corporal Dustin A. Derga
Lance Corporal Nicholas B. Erdy
Lance Corporal Wesley G. Davids
Sergeant David N. Wimberg
Lance Corporal Michael J. Cifuentes
Lance Corporal Christopher J. Dyer
Lance Corporal Jonathan W. Grant
Sergeant David Kenneth J. Kreuter
Lance Corporal Jourdan L. Grez

For more images and more information about the Lima Company Memorial: The Eyes on Freedom exhibit, visit www.limacompanymemorial.org.

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