STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial will be exhibited to the public in the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda from February 26 through March 11. This traveling tribute depicts the fallen of Columbus Ohio-based Lima Company 3/25, one of the most heavily engaged and hardest hit units of US combat operations in the middle east. These 23 life-size portraits are displayed in communities across the nation, rallying those who attend honoring the service and sacrifice of all those who answer our nation’s call. Over the years the Eyes of Freedom mission has grown to include the fight against Veteran suicide and post-traumatic stress issues.

In 2018, artist/creator Anita Miller completed her latest addition to the exhibit. A very powerful and sobering bronze sculpture entitled “Silent Battle” depicts a service member sitting in solitude after a combat mission, looking at the dog tags and mourning the loss of a fallen comrade. Although we will always proudly honor ALL military service and those who sacrifice for our freedoms, the addition of the bronze sculpture brought the mental health portion of our mission to center stage. The Eyes of Freedom strives to connect struggling Veterans with resources, partner organizations, and other struggling Veterans to unite in the battle against the hidden wounds of war.

Quotes about the Eyes of Freedom Memorial

“We are very proud to emerge from a devastated 2020 that saw most of our exhibitions postponed or cancelled due to the pandemic. There are so many that truly need this experience and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this powerful tribute back on the road again, said Mike Strahle, Eyes of Freedom Executive Director and former member of Lima Co. 3/25. “We are returning to public display with Covid protocols in place to provide a very safe experience for everyone. It is only fitting that we begin a fresh touring year at the Ohio Statehouse where Anita Miller’s portraits were unveiled for the very first time back in 2008”, added Strahle.

Artist and creator of the exhibit Anita Miller added, “We are extremely grateful to our supporters whose strength and contributions made it possible for the Eyes of Freedom to survive such a year.” She later added, “The main reason for creating The Eyes of Freedom was to help heal family members and loved ones after suffering such loss in 2005, and now it travels as part of a much larger mission.”

Background of the Memorial

The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial was created as a result of an Ohio artist’s vision, in which she saw the finished memorial and felt she was being asked to create it. With the help of the families of the fallen and the returned Marines of L3/25, the work was created and unveiled in the Ohio State House Rotunda in 2008, as the vision foretold.

Although the paintings in this Memorial specifically depict the 23 fallen Marines from Lima 3/25, it has become much more; The Eyes of Freedom honors all who have answered the call to service. Behind each portrait we feel the honor and sacrifice of the thousands of men and women who have served our country, in every branch of the armed forces.

About the Eyes of Freedom Memorial Organization

Mike Strahle retired from Lima Co. 3/25 and upon seeing The Eyes of Freedom unveiled at the Statehouse in 2008 knew he had witnessed something truly special. Three years later he would contact Anita Miller, the artist and creator, requesting to host the memorial at a Veteran’s Support fundraiser he co-founded. It was this reunion that sparked the passing of the baton from its creator to the hands of a brother in arms. For Mike this mission is personal. He too was badly injured in the explosion that took six of his squad members; two more fell to enemy fire just days prior.

The Eyes of Freedom Memorial’s exclusive transportation provider is R+L Carriers, Inc. based in Wilmington, Ohio.

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

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Ohio Statehouse Contact:
Mike Rupert: 614-745-6949
Communications Manager, Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board
mrupert@OhioStatehouse.org


The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial Contact:
Mike Strahle, Executive Director: 419-551-0335
www.EyesofFreedom.org
BACKGROUND VIDEO: https://youtu.be/HfvDKUYjlkg

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Members of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) will meet Thursday, February 25, 2021 at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus. The business meeting will be held in the Senate Finance Room (room #126) and will begin at 11 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda is available upon request.
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As February serves to recognize all the presidents in our country’s interesting and dynamic history, the Ohio Statehouse will celebrate with a virtual tour focusing on the eight presidents who called Ohio home––this virtual tour will take place on Friday, February 12. The Ohio Statehouse will be closed on Monday, February 15 in honor of Presidents’ Day.

Ohio Presidents Virtual Tour

The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center will offer a free virtual tour on Friday, Feb. 12 at 12 p.m. This tour will focus on sharing fascinating information about all the presidents from Ohio. Anyone interested in learning more about the Ohio-born presidents and the role they played in our nation’s history can access this event through Facebook Live. A Facebook account is not required to watch the tour. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/247421600105850.

Ohio is “the Mother of Presidents”

Of the forty-six presidents in our country’s history, eight of them lived in Ohio. For that reason, Ohio is recognized as “the Mother of Presidents.” Myths and mystery tend to shroud the legacy of many of Ohio’s presidents; join our virtual tour to dispel some common misconceptions and learn about how these eight men helped shape our country into what it is today.

Presidents’ Day Deal at the Statehouse Museum Shop

During the month of February, you get the opportunity to purchase a beautiful replica of the Ohio Statehouse for only $50 (it normally sells for $69). The Statehouse Museum Shop welcomes in-person shoppers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and online orders at StatehouseShop.com.

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The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with a free historical performance each Tuesday at noon. In consideration of the health and safety of the audience and staff, each 2021 performance will be virtual and available online using the Zoom app.

The programs are presented by “We’ve Known Rivers,” which is a partnership of dynamic storytellers with a passion for history and education. Learn more at www.facebook.com/weveknownrivers. The series is organized by the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center with the support of the Ohio Channel.

The programs are free, and no registration is required. Some programs include prerecorded videos, and live, interactive Q-and-A sessions. Each program will be open to the public online using the Zoom app. Zoom links are included below and on OhioStatehouse.org.

The 2021 online living history performances at noon include:

February 2 - Courage in the Skies: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen, by Anthony Gibbs

February 9 - A People Denied: Tri-Racial Appalachian Heritage, by Lyn Ford

February 16 - Henry “Box” Brown: Magician Escapes to Freedom, by Rory Rennick

February 23 - Streams in Motion: Stories from WKR Rivermates, by We’ve Known Rivers

Detailed descriptions of the online performances:

February 2 at noon- Courage in the Skies: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen

The first African-American military pilots served in World War II, and later were stationed near Columbus, Ohio. Living historian Anthony Gibbs is dressed as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, and illustrates the challenges they faced while defending our country. A live online Q-and-A session will follow the prerecorded show.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81309226660?pwd=Um1laUh1bVhOaXJRQlUvUDIxL1ZFdz09
Passcode: statehouse

Webinar ID: 813 0922 6660
Passcode: 2095117625

February 9 at noon- A People Denied: Tri-Racial Appalachian Heritage

This live webinar will be presented by Lyn Ford, an American storyteller, teaching artist and author.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "We are not makers of history. We are made by history." What happens to the spirit of family when its foundation is denied and its heritage becomes sociological hearsay, stereotypes and the opinions of biased observers printed as "history"? For many, that spirit remains in family folklore and oral history. Lyn Ford will share some of the spirit and strength of tri-racial Appalachian heritage in story and photos.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84600852333?pwd=c3Ardk9iL29aOWIra0RhbTVpT3padz09
Passcode: statehouse

Webinar ID: 846 0085 2333
Passcode: 0497418461

February 16 at noon- Henry “Box” Brown: Magician Escapes to Freedom

The true story of a slave who mailed himself to freedom and became a magician will be presented by Rory Rennick. See magic tricks and a dramatic demonstration of the crate Henry “Box” Brown used to ship himself out of slavery. A live online Q-and-A session will follow the prerecorded show.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82157135174?pwd=czZDYlVZdVhsZWNCT2NHQ21HaHJrQT09
Passcode: statehouse

Webinar ID: 821 5713 5174
Passcode: 0769525965

February 23 at noon- Streams in Motion: Stories from WKR Rivermates

Enjoy a virtual conversation with We’ve Known Rivers presenters Lyn Ford, Rory Rennick, and Anthony Gibbs. Each rivermate will share a piece of how they are spreading history, culture, and heritage with audiences everywhere. The presentation will end with a live online Q-and-A where the audience can engage directly with the panel.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89164243784?pwd=eGxmcEV0Q3VxZWtDMU1wa3JsSU9FQT09
Passcode: statehouse

Webinar ID: 891 6424 3784
Passcode: 4264375730

Afterward, a recorded video of each program will be available at OhioChannel.org.

More photos available at: http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/galleries/black-history-month

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Red Carnation Day highlights the state flower of Ohio and the birthday of Ohio Governor and U.S. President William McKinley. The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Red Carnation Day, January 29, in several ways. The public is welcome to enjoy a virtual tour of the Ohio Statehouse, a birthday exhibit and a sale at the Statehouse Museum Shop.

Virtual Tour Online

The staff of the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center will offer a free online tour on Red Carnation Day live at 12:00 p.m. The virtual tour of the Ohio Statehouse will talk about architecture, art, history, and state government throughout the building. President William McKinley and his important roles in Ohio and the United States will be featured during the noon tour on January 29. The Facebook Live event is open to the public online, even if you are not a member of Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/events/247421600105850

Rotunda Exhibit

The 2021 observance of Red Carnation Day will include a small exhibit about the life and legacy of Ohio Governor and President William McKinley. The exhibit will be on display in the Rotunda January 29-31.

Sale at the Statehouse Museum Shop

The Statehouse Museum Shop recognizes Red Carnation Day with a special sale. Save 20% off your entire purchase at the Statehouse Museum Shop on Friday, January 29, 2021, if you are wearing a red carnation or dressed in scarlet. The Shop is in the Map Room on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse.

This sale excludes postage, wine, food, nylon flags, consignment items, wooden Statehouse Cutout, dated Statehouse ornaments, and the books, “Art and Artistry of the Ohio Statehouse” and “From Cornerstone to Cupola.” Discount applies to in-stock items only, and cannot be combined with any other discount.

History of Red Carnation Day

All Americans were encouraged by the Carnation League of America to wear a red carnation on January 29, William McKinley’s birthday. The League was founded by Dayton, Ohio, native Lewis G. Reynolds in 1903, two years after President William McKinley was assassinated at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. Red Carnation Day memorializes the life and legacy of Ohio Governor and President William McKinley. McKinley’s favorite flower was said to be the carnation.


About the Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays.

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In honor of the life and service of Toledo Police Officer Brandon Stalker, flags shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Lucas County and at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower until sunset on the day of Officer Stalker's funeral. Update: The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

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In accordance with the orders issued by the President of the United States of America, in honoring the life and service of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across this great Nation, Governor Mike DeWine proclaims the flags shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio until sunset on January 13, 2021.

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In honor of the lives lost on December 7, 1941 in the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. and Ohio flags shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Ohio from midnight to midnight on December 7, 2020. Older Posts Newer Posts