National Veterans Freedom Mural Site 1 |
(Big Boar Cycles) Columbia City Indiana
Veteran Gallery Sections
Section 2 Veterans
Section 1 Veterans
Section 5 Veterans
Section 4 Veterans
Section 3 Veterans
The Foundation of Honor
Located on the south wall of Big Boar Cycles in Columbia City, Site One is the cornerstone of the MJL National Veterans Freedom Mural project. Spanning a massive 80 feet in length and 25 feet in height, this vibrant acrylic tapestry is home to over 480 hand-painted veteran portraits. What began as a local vision has transformed into a national landmark, with families from over 40 states submitting photos to ensure their loved ones' stories are never forgotten.
"Every image is a sacred commitment. Beyond the likeness, we breathe life into the stone by inscribing original battlefield verses and poems exactly as it was written in their handwriting, prayers of Veterans & their loved ones, and the raw, unwritten history shared by the veterans themselves. We aren't just painting a mural—we are creating a vibrant tapestry of sacrifice where every quote and prayer serves as an enduring embrace for those who stood watch. We are Painting a Living Anthology of Honor...
...We are sharing new perspectives, untold experiences, and with these truths may we grasp a deeper understanding. At MJL Entwined Art, we are sharing new perspectives and untold experiences through our living memorials. With these truths, we hope our community may grasp a deeper understanding—one that speaks to love of self, love of Country, and love for others.
May these stories make us pause as we see the countless ways Veterans throughout time have placed, and continue to place, their countrymen, allies, and even those on foreign soil, above themselves. This mural is a testimony to that enduring selflessness, inviting all who witness it to reflect on the high cost of the freedoms we cherish."
A Spiritual Embrace in Color
Site One is more than a painting; it is a dynamic archive of service. Every portrait is hand-painted with the veteran's name, rank, and a personal note from their family, bridging generations through a "spiritual embrace" etched in color. This site remains active and evolving, serving as a call to witness the enduring ties of faith, freedom, and unyielding service. Whether you are visiting in person or exploring our Digital Section Galleries, Site One stands as a permanent sanctuary of gratitude. These Portraits are the power beneath the vibrant colors and patriotic themes, but you must see this in person. Study, get up-close, and see this mural has so much more that go alongside, into, and beyond faces into the lives these faces have touched-saved. This Mural ripples content in all the ways that is unique and beautiful, in that quiet, powerful, disarming way that only visual art can do.
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."
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
The MJL National Veterans Freedom Mural: Site One
The Original Living Memorial | A Monumental Tribute in Columbia City, Indiana
The Mission Continues: Launching Location Two, Expanding the Legacy of Honor in your Communities.
We are thrilled to announce that the MJL National Veterans Freedom Mural is officially expanding. Due to the overwhelming support and the hundreds of veterans still waiting to have their stories told, we have secured our second monumental canvas. This new location allows us to continue our "fluid" artistic process—adding faces, ranks, and personal notes in real-time as we build a second landmark of collective reverence.
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Current Status: [e.g., Grid Mapping & Initial Priming]
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Location: [American Legion Post 157, 115 S Main St, Churubusco, IN 46723
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The Goal: To provide a dedicated space for the next wave of veteran submissions, ensuring no story is left untold.
Track the Progress!
Follow along as we transform this blank wall into a living archive. We will be posting weekly visual updates and hyperlapse videos showing the first portraits of Location Two coming to life.
Want to see your Veteran on the new wall?
We are now accepting photo submissions at both locations. By contributing a photo and a personal note, you aren't just sponsoring a portrait—you are helping us build a permanent sanctuary of gratitude.
[Submit a Veteran’s Photo for Location 1 & 2]
MJL National Veteran's Freedom Mural: Site 1
MJL National Veteran's Freedom Mural: Site 2
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!