The "Eyes of Freedom" memorial exhibit, featuring the poignant "Silent Battle" sculpture, will visit Anchorage in July 2024 to honor the memory of Lance Cpl Grant Fraser, a fallen Marine of the Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Reconnaissance Battalion. He was from Anchorage. This exhibit, which travels nationwide to honor fallen military personnel, will be displayed at three Anchorage locations:
July 20-21 Arctic Thunder Open House, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The exhibit will be accessible exclusively to attendees of the air show.
July 22-24 Service High School, Grant Fraser Memorial Auditorium, 5577 Abbott Road. Open to the public outside the auditorium.
July 26-28 University of Alaska Alaska Airlines Center, 3550 Providence Drive. Hosted by the university's Military & Veteran Services, open for public viewing.
The "Eyes of Freedom" memorial is a traveling exhibit that honors the service and sacrifices of U.S. military personnel. It features life-sized portraits representing the fallen members of Lima Company, including Lance Cpl Grant Fraser. Created by artist Anita Miller, the exhibit's centerpiece, the "Silent Battle" sculpture, addresses the ongoing struggles veterans face with post-traumatic stress (PTS). This sculpture aims to foster dialogue and support for veterans dealing with PTS and other mental health challenges.
The exhibit pays special homage to Lance Cpl Fraser, who lost his life on Aug. 3, 2005, during combat operations in Haditha, Iraq. The Anchorage display includes his portrait and will be accompanied by honor escorts at each location.
The memorial's journey begins with an honor escort on July 18, 2024, to the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Subsequent honor escorts will transport the exhibit to Service High School and then to the University of Alaska's Alaska Airlines Center.
The exhibit's Anchorage visit is made possible through the support of local organizations and businesses. Contributors include the Alaska Veterans Museum, The Wounded Warrior Project, the Anchorage School District, and Visit Anchorage. Additionally, logistics for transporting the exhibit are provided by R+L Carriers, TOTE Maritime, Odyssey Group, and Carlile Trucking.
For more details about the exhibit and its mission, visit http://www.eyesoffreedom.org or follow their social media updates.
