MJL National Veterans Freedom Murals
Site Location 1: Columbia City Indiana
Veteran Sections Up-close!
The Faces of Honor: A Zero-Complaint Legacy
At MJL Entwined Art, we believe a mural is as strong as the relationships behind it. These aren't just portraits; they are handshakes, prayers, tears, and shared stories. With over 500 Veteran faces painted and zero complaints, we take pride in the 'gritty small things'-the accuracy of a rank, the warmth in a smile, and artist to patron commitment we take in remembering each and every client and the stories they share. From of over 40 states across the country, we are bridging the gap between the battlefield and the community, on face at a time. See our Testimony Gallery; glimpse how this MJL National Veterans Freedom Mural is visual weight of honor that must be felt to be understood. We’ve captured hundreds of unfiltered, personal stories from veterans and those who love them on a scale that is both massive and humbly intimate. Experience a collective history told through a medium that transcends words. Click to witness the impact."
Veterans & Families
Veteran's Day 2025 - Family D, brings beloved Veteran in honor of his service, MJL National Veterans Freedom Mural-0
The Veteran's Response
Check out the full gallery of the special moments from our veterans and the families that helped make this mural so special
A Veteran's Father's Day Surprise
These MJL National Veteran's Freedom Murals, is the perfect gift aside from the Mural, with custom take-home personalized art, prints for every family, and a Digital archive and tribute to our veterans and thank you to the families.
Unexpected Guests
This mural keeps revealing so many amazing people, stories, and will keep us artists motivated to create and share our passion artistic gifts with community Mural projects indefinitely!
Artists on-site
Jennifer Lude, project creator leading Artist makes sure this project resonates with everyone.
Michael Lude Lead Portrait Artist fluidly continues to add high quality portraiture that compliments Jennifers work behind the faces.
Daniel Karnes brings his phenomenal portrait skills to the line-up all three artists ensure every vision is brought to life with the accuracy and honor they deserve!
Sharing the Vision
"Hundreds of stories. One massive, silent sanctuary. This Living Mural is the place to connect with our nation’s heroes through an experience that is as vulnerably humble as it is visually staggering. We are documenting the positive legacy our veterans deserve in a way no other method can. Explore the full testimony gallery."
MJL National Veteran's Freedom Murals:
High-Integrity Legacy System
"The Husband-and-Wife Team providing **Zero-Complaint Public Art Solutions** through **High-Integrity Veteran Portraiture** and a **Living Digital Archive**."
Location #1
Big Boar Cycles
205 S. Main St.
Columba City Indiana, 46725
This Website is a Dedication to our Veterans and a Thank You to all those that helped support this National Mural Initiative 1 face & 1 story at a time.
by Professional Mural Artist Michael Lude & Jennifer Lude 2024
Nationally Honoring All Veterans
The MJL National Veterans Freedom Mural in Columbia City stands as the first of many, a monumental tribute—25 feet tall and 80 feet wide—a vast canvas alive with stories, memory, and spirit. Painted in acrylics on the side of a building, this mural is not merely an image, but a powerful convergence of history, identity, and collective reverence woven into a dynamic tapestry of color and symbolism.
What makes this mural truly distinct is the way it encompasses more than our own vision. We are honored to have over 480 veterans represented on this mural, with more faces being added continually as new submissions arrive. Veterans' photos have been submitted from more than 16 states—and that number continues to grow. Members of the community contributed by submitting photographs of their veterans—loved ones whose stories now live on these walls. Each face was painted with care, accompanied by names, ranks, and personal notes inscribed beside their portraits. This collaboration transformed the mural into a living memorial, bridging generations and creating a shared space where individual sacrifices are neither forgotten nor nameless.
This mural is more than paint on a wall—it is a living archive, a spiritual embrace, and a call to remember with gratitude every face that serves as a guardian of freedom. It stands as a reminder that behind every uniform is a story worth telling, and within every story lies an enduring hope for peace and unity.
This work arose from a profound desire to honor veterans while educating others about the depth of their service and the profound cost of our freedoms. It is a vivid reminder that freedom is not abstract; it is carved from the lives of those who have stood watch, fought, and given so much. It is a call to witness, remember, and carry forward the stories etched in every gaze and every brushstroke. It invites all who see it to pause, to reflect deeply on the enduring ties of faith, freedom, and unyielding service that bind us together.
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Special Thanks!
Reaching out and thanking those who've help make this mural what it is, all you throughout this community and the next on over, you know who you are, a whole-hearted thank you. You continue to surprise us with your trust, support, and kindness. We will make your proud!!!!
Wreaths Across America in Whitley County
Thank you so much for helping us get off the ground, your continuous support, and advertisement, and giving us a chance to shine and highlight our Veterans!
Big Boar Cycles
You have been absolutely amazing; donating their wall, giving multiple donations, and submitting veteran portraits for the mural!
Whitley County VFW &
Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard
Thank you for your support, advertisement, and generous contributions to this mural, truly making it special! An extra warm thank you to Kelly Maloy and Laura Shoda, the spark in helping us spread awareness and veteran submissions!
Special Individuals Throughout this Mural!
Your unexpected support and kind words has been an unexpected much needed anchor and encouragement. For those who don't mind a little spotlight, our gratitude is listed on following Pages.
Floyd's Arcade & Pinball
As always, you were spot on when we needed and gave us the extra push to expand our vision!!!
The Junction Cafe
Thank you for being among the very first business to show us encouragement, support and providing faces for the mural!