ADRIAN — The Eyes of Freedom traveling memorial was in Lenawee County this week, featuring life-sized paintings and personal artifacts honoring the 23 Marines and Navy Corpsman of Lima Company 3/25 who were killed in action in 2005. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit behind the exhibit is seeking new corporate sponsors to continue its national mission.
Director of Strategic Operations Michelle White provided WLEN News with a full tour of the installation, which includes not only large-scale portraits but also donated boots, dog tags, letters, and memorabilia from the families of the fallen. The memorial was created by artist Anita Miller, who had no military background but was inspired by a vivid dream after seeing news of the casualties. Since its debut in 2008, the exhibit has visited 416 locations across 37 states.
Each painting reflects a specific Marine or sailor, using real photos and details provided by loved ones. In total, 22 Marines and one Navy corpsman are featured — each depicted with symbolic posture, personalized items, and vivid expressions. The height of each canvas was determined based on the tallest Marine, Justin Hoffman, who stood 6’6″ and is the only figure shown holding a weapon, standing guard for his unit. In addition to the portraits, the exhibit includes a sculpture titled Silent Battle, surrounded by dog tags submitted by families of veterans lost to suicide.
The Lima Company was a Marine Reserve unit based in Columbus, Ohio. All of the individuals featured were killed during Operation Matador or Operation Quick Strike in Iraq. The youngest was 18 years old; the oldest, 33. Several were killed together in a single amphibious assault vehicle, struck by the largest IED recorded during the campaign.
The nonprofit is actively seeking corporate partners and donors to support future outreach. Events include school visits, memorial presentations, and mental health awareness programming for veterans.
The Eyes of Freedom Foundation continues to expand its reach across the country, with upcoming stops in several Midwest cities. New support would allow the team to scale education, travel to more rural communities, and maintain the preservation of this one-of-a-kind tribute. Details on sponsorship or how to submit a dog tag for a loved one can be found at www.limacompanymemorial.org.
