MJL Veteran's Freedom Mural (Honoring All Veterans)
Mural Location: Big Boar Cycles on South Wall, 213 S Main St, Columbia City, IN 46725 ·
Big Boar Cycles (260) 244-4237 Open Tues-Friday 10am-5pm

The MJL Veterans Freedom Mural stands as a monumental tribute—20 feet tall and 60 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 300 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.
Families Visiting the MJL Veteran's Freedom Mural

MJL Veteran's Freedom Mural Progression Gallery
Click on the image to see the Soldiers and information up close in section pages.

MJL Veteran's Freedom Mural Videos
by Professional Artist's Michael & Jennifer Lude
MJL Veteran's Freedom Mural Videos
MJL Veterans Freedom Mural


MJL Veterans Freedom Mural

2025-09-23 Veteran's Freedom Mural

2025-05-01 Veterans Freedom Mural

2024-10-24 Veterans Freedom Mural
MJL Veterans Freedom Mural Portrait and Name Pricings
Click the link below to Donate to the MJL Veteran's Freedom Mural: This mural is paid for and made possible by Donations and Portrait Submissions. See below for prices, sizing and print ordering. Thank you for your Support!
1. Upload the Veteran Photos you want painted on the Veteran's Mural.
Submit Photos
2. Submit Your Payment to confirm your Veteran's Portrait to be painted on the MJL Veteran's Freedom Mural. You are able to leave notes when making your payment ( such as: Soldiers Name and details, Portrait Sizes, and if you will be purchasing Prints etc.).
2.
3. Click the Print link to Order Prints of your Veteran Portrait on the Mural after its completion.
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!

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.

Big Boar Cycles
You have been absolutely amazing; donating their wall, giving multiple donations, and submitting veteran portraits for the mural!

Floyd's Arcade & Pinball
As always, you were spot on when we needed and gave us the extra push to expand our vision!!!

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!

The Junction Cafe
Thank you for being among the very first business to show us encouragement, support and providing faces for the mural!
Many More Thanks to Come!



























