STATEHOUSE CALENDAR

“The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial” will return for a special 10^th anniversary display May 21 to May 27, 2018 in the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse. 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

The memorial began as a dream of artist Anita Miller of Columbus, Ohio in 2005. With help, her vision became reality when her paintings were unveiled in the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse in 2008. Since then, the Lima Company Memorial has been viewed at 130 sites across the nation. To commemorate the 10^th anniversary of Lima Companies deployment to Iraqi in 2005 a special service is planned for the Ohio Statehouse while the memorial is on display.  

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.