Latest Updates on the National Veteran's Freedom Mural Site 1 at Big Boar Cycles in Columbia City Indiana
- Michael lude
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
The National Veteran's Freedom Mural project has been gaining momentum at Big Boar Cycles in Columbia City, Indiana. This mural honors the sacrifices and service of veterans across the nation, creating a powerful visual tribute in the heart of the community. Recent developments at the site have brought new energy and attention to this meaningful project. This post explores the latest updates, the mural’s significance, and what visitors can expect when they visit Big Boar Cycles.
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 vibrant 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 that captures the essence of sacrifice and valor. Each stroke of the brush resonates with the emotions of those who have served, creating a visual narrative that speaks volumes about the experiences of our veterans and the communities that support them.
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, reflecting a nationwide commitment to honoring service members. Members of the community contributed by submitting photographs of their veterans—loved ones whose stories now live on these walls, transforming personal memories into a collective narrative. Each face was painted with meticulous care, accompanied by names, ranks, and personal notes inscribed beside their portraits, allowing viewers to connect intimately with each individual’s journey. This collaboration has transformed the mural into a living memorial, bridging generations and creating a shared space where individual sacrifices are neither forgotten nor nameless, but celebrated and revered in a communal act of remembrance.
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. The mural acts as a beacon, drawing in visitors and locals alike, encouraging them to engage with the histories represented and to reflect on the sacrifices made for the liberties we often take for granted. Each glance at the mural invites a moment of introspection, prompting viewers to consider the broader implications of service and the weight of freedom.
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. The mural serves as an artistic testament to the courage and resilience of those who have served in various capacities, reminding us that the fight for freedom is ongoing. 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. As people gather around this mural, they not only honor the past but also inspire future generations to uphold the values of courage, sacrifice, and unity that define our collective identity.
Website & Mural Updates
Over the winter I had to rebuild our entire website from scratch, including the National Veterans Freedom Mural Sections and website pages. Please take time to explore the link below. Find your veteran's face, message me if anything needs corrected or if you would like to add additional information to the veteran information index page. Thank you again everyone for your support!
There is a main landing page for all National Veterans Freedom Murals, and at the top of each page you will find a navigation bar listing out veteran locations by the section. Explore the sections to find your veterans location. I am currently still making adjustments, adding faces that were on the previous website version, and add new submissions daily.
For the actual mural progress for 2026, we have been prepping faces, getting all the info and materials needed and we will be here working this month. We will be providing regular updates on the status of both new and old faces.