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Donated mural honors service members

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kevin Tomko
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD --  Two artists have donated their time and money to create a mural for Bagram Airfield to honor those who wear the uniform. 

The 10-by-8-foot mural, which has an image of the upper portion of the Statue of Liberty and a message in large letters that reads "Land of the Free, Because of the Brave" is covered with signatures and messages. 

Paul and David Eisemann, two brothers who created the mural, wanted to let service members know they are supported back home. The artists took the piece to Ground Zero in New York City, Shanksville, Penn. (the location where flight 92 crashed), and the Pentagon. 

First responders and well-wishers from these locations were asked to place a message and their signature on the mural. 

"We have a lot of signatures from the first responders as well as veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam," said Maj. James Williams, 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron operations officer and point of contact for the artist. 

There are also signatures from members of Veterans of Foreign Wars halls, Moose Lodges, and American Legion halls. 

"It's awesome to see all those messages and signatures, especially from the first responders," said Army Staff Sgt. Jessica Taylor of the 478th Personnel Support Battalion. "It's always good to know you're appreciated." 

Major Williams said the mural will be placed inside the passenger terminal to give all troops coming to Bagram the opportunity to reflect on their service.