The Eyes of Freedom was born out of the Lima Company Memorial that was a tribute to the 22 Marines and 1 Navy Core-man that were killed in Iraq in 2005. One of the largest casualties from one single unit from either Gulf War. The Eyes of Freedom travels the country to honor the service and sacrifice of all who answer our Nation’s call. The memorial includes life-sized portraits of the fallen of Lima Company whose eyes reflect the thousands of men and women who have offered their lives in service to our country.

‘Silent Battle’, a sculpture by Anita Miller, was created after witnessing first-hand the struggles of our returning combat veterans coping with post-traumatic stress and the loss of their brothers and sisters in combat and at home. Survivor guilt, grief, and trauma often run deeper than words. Art reaches the recess of the heart and creates the connections that can break the cycle of pain. ‘Silent Battle’ initiates the tough conversations about veteran PTS to support our veterans and make sure their voices are heard. Not only can you view ‘Silent Battle’, but we encourage viewers to complete a dog tag in memory of a veteran or someone they have lost to PTS, to place on the sculpture. The Eyes of Freedom is honored to be hosted by the Veterans Services Center at Louisiana State University and the Wounded Warrior Project on behalf of their Veteran students. The Veterans Resource Center at LSU assists veterans and their dependents who may be eligible for various veteran educational benefits and helps transition veterans from the military to civilian life within the academic environment. The Wounded Warrior Project mission strives to ensure that when those who serve come home, they’re afforded every opportunity to be as successful as a civilian as they were in the military.