Remembrance. It’s a word from an older, slower moving age. In this full speed, high tech, deadline packed world, it is a word that is often overlooked. In the midst of the flurry of life on-going, Memorial Day weekend is viewed as a day off, the kick-off to the summer season, time to spend with family and friends. But do enough people really stop and recognize the sacrifices that were made to make such a thing even possible?
The Fallen Stars project is around to remind us that across New York state, from all walks of life, brave men and women have stepped forward, ready and willing to fight to preserve freedom. Some have paid the ultimate price. The Fallen Stars project is committed to preserving the memory of each and every soldier, sailor, airman, guardsman and marine who has fallen during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and on Friday, the Fallen Stars Memorial Tribute Committee unveiled its second Memorial Mural.
This memorial is a traveling mural, designed by local artist Bob Critser. It carries the image of every life lost to the war from New York state. Currently, the mural contains 232 such portraits. It is difficult to look at, to see the faces of both young and old who have given the truest measure of themselves in defense of freedom. The youngest was 18 when he was killed in action, the oldest, a National Guardsman aged 60.
“The best, most true way to remember someone is to picture their face,” said Committee member Ray Lenarcic, “These men and women died for their country. They deserve for us to know who they were. We need to keep their names alive.”
The two murals circulate throughout the state, accompanied by a massive binder that contains the photo and biography of each of the fallen. Compiled by Kay Lenarcic, the Fallen Stars binder offers a complete picture of each one. These memorial tokens move throughout the state, allowing those who see it the opportunity to stop and be still, just for a moment, and remember.
Committee member Kelly Brown does much of the transport work involved with the touring murals. Last week alone, Brown and the mural logged more than 760 miles.
“We ask ourselves ‘How much is enough to do?’” said Brown, “And the answer is, that there will never be enough we can do to keep their memories alive.” Both murals will be displayed throughout the state from Memorial Day weekend through Flag Day. The original mural will be on touring through Holley, Albion, Brockport, Perry and Mount Morris in the western region of the state. The second mural will be seen in Canastota, Albany, Oriskany Falls, Utica and at Mohawk’s Fisher Elementary School.
Mimi Martin is the spokeswoman for the Fallen Stars Memorial Mural program and she has her own story to tell. She is the wife of a Fallen Star. Marine Sgt. Shawn Martin was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician whose duty it was to disarm and/or destroy explosive materials which are used for improvised explosive devices or roadside bombs. Shawn was killed in action on June 20, 2007, while serving in Iraq.
“Our message is simple, really,” said Martin. “These men and women deserve to be seen...to be remembered.” During the unveiling ceremonies, Ray Lenarcic paid special tribute to the wives and husbands of these Fallen Stars. “No one can fully realize their incredible strength,” he said, “And we all owe them a debt of gratitude.” In addition to being the spokesperson for the Memorial Mural, Martin also takes the time to talk and listen to others who have lost loved ones; for some of them the pain of the loss is still very fresh. “Her insight and compassion in the face of her own loss is truly remarkable,” said Lenarcic.
The mural was one of several objectives of the Fallen Stars project. Another goal is to mark the memory of each man and woman by a donation or project that will improve the quality of life in area communities. This goal has been realized, most notably by the involvement of many of the area schools in the project. Fallen Stars urges everyone to keep the fallen in their thoughts by dedicating events, whatever they may be, to the memory of a fallen hero.
Sponsors receive a commemorative certificate acknowledging their participation. Current sponsors include Crowley-Barnum Mohawk American Legion, Post 25; Herkimer Lions Club; Frankfort Kiwanis Club; Herkimer Polish Community Home and the Little Falls Rotary Club. In addition, Fallen Stars encourages people to turn their eyes, and their thanks to the veterans for their service to their country, and not just on Memorial Day. They continue their efforts urging people to write to Congressman Michael Arcuri to demand that he support legislation, or draft legislation, that would guarantee that all servicemen and women the best medical care that our tax dollars can buy, particularly for those who are afflicted with post traumatic stress syndrome and traumatic brain injury.
The public can view the Memorial Mural at the Mohawk American Legion Post 25, 47 West Main Street, Mohawk. To learn about becoming a sponsor or for more information on the project, visit the Fallen Stars Web site at www.fallenstarsmemorial.com. To arrange to have the touring mural pay a visit to a special event or function, contact Kelly Brown at 866-9016. Anyone interested in having a loved one’s name included on the Memorial Wall at Veteran’s Memorial Park on the campus of Herkimer County Community College should contact Vince Casale at 866-0300.
Mohawk, N.Y. —
