The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Association has found a unique way to honor the memory and the lives of our fighting men and women throughout the duration of our countries existence. Through Art.

“The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Association has commissioned internationally-recognized artist Charles Gilbert Kapsner to design and paint canvases depicting the history of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard. Five 8 x 10-foot oil canvases will be hung in the cemetery’s committal hall to represent all who served, commemorating their sacrifices in all wars, rather than eulogizing a particular war. Beyond being a memorial to our nation’s fighting men and women, the paintings will serve as an educational tool to help future generations understand our history and the vital role our military plays in maintaining our freedom and democracy.”

As we consider ourselves to be artists, we truly appreciate the power of art to communicate and honor. Artwork, when carefully considered and rendered can move the very core of ourselves and open doors to considerations of new ideas and challenge conventions, or, it can soothe and relax and provide a moment of repose. We love the efforts of the State of Minnesota as they use this medium to honor our Patriots.

The project is being administered through a partnering arrangement with the Initiative Foundation, a charitable nonprofit Foundation with headquarters in Little Falls, MN. If you would like to offer a donation you may send it to The Initiative Foundation, 405 First Street SE, Little Falls, MN 56345.

If you happen to be in Central Minnesota in February, you can see the artwork at the Franklin Arts Center in an exhibit sponsored by the Crossing Arts Alliance. Exhibition and reception at The Crossing’s Q Gallery, 1001 Kingwood St. #222, Brainerd, MN 56401. Exhibition: Jan 21 to Feb 13, Tues and Th from 10 to 4 and Sat, Feb 13 from 10 to 2, or by appt 218.833.0416. Reception: Fri, Jan 29 from 5 to 8.

I can remember visiting Washington D.C. as a kid. I think I was 10. I remember the planes hanging from the ceiling in the Air and Space Museum, the view from the top of the Washington Monument and the overwhelming figure of President Lincoln as he sits stately in his place along the mall. I also remember the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame. I remember asking my brothers over and over again how they made that thing stay lit. My memories are scattered and broken and inspire me to return with my children now that they are old enough to appreciate it.

While browsing the internet, I came across another fan of America’s National Capital in Ben Stein. He also talks about the beauty and majesty of the place and it’s monuments, but he adds that the highlight for him is the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. http://www.uso.org/usoonpatrol/article_home-of-the-brave.html

“But if you want to see the very most spectacular display in our national capital, you should go as I do, many times a year, to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This immense hospital complex has something that you cannot see even at Arlington National Cemetery: It has a living, breathing collection of the finest, bravest, most magnificent souls on the earth.” – Ben Stein

We are in awe at the bravery and dedication of our fighting men and women in the armed services who dedicate their lives to preserving the ideals of this country. We are also grateful for those in the public eye who take a moment and give a little of themselves to support and bring recognition to these selfless servants of freedom. Our hats are off to Ben Stein and his efforts. But more so, we honor, as he does, those who provide the blanket of security that allows all of us life, liberty and the pursuit.

When there is a crisis somewhere around the globe our military men and women dawn the appropriate hat and go to work. We hear a lot nowadays about Iraq and Afghanistan, as we probably should, but I love to hear stories of when America’s finest take off the combat helmet and wear a hat of a totally different make.

A few months ago, the Joint Task Force-Bravo Medical Element performed a Medical Civil Action Program, or MEDCAP, treating 2,987 people in several different cities affected by the El Salvador mudslides. We were so caught up by the health care debate, Guantanamo Bay and Christmas shopping that the story of the natural disaster in El Salvador went widely unnoticed.

The U.S. Army medical team responding to the crisis was only 10 strong, but they impacted the health and well-being of thousands. It’s easy to see the theaters where we have sent hundreds of thousands of soldiers to fight and sacrifice allowing these others to work in anonymity and without fanfare. There were no engagements to be won. No hilltops or city blocks to be taken from the enemy. There wasn’t any reason to even draw a weapon. But there was real work done. The United States Army demonstrated again its compassion and commitment to peace and health, not on national television or for any political purpose, but rather because it was the human thing to do.

Way to be Army Strong JTF-Bravo