MJL National Veteran's Freedom Murals 

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.

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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.

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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.