February 24, 2008

Arch Challenge

When I saw that the challenge at Gothic Arches this week was "history" I knew exactly what I wanted to create. I made it personal history with this tribute to my Uncle John who was killed during World War II while serving with the Marine Corps in Iwo Jima. He was only 22 and left no wife or children to remember him, so I think it's important his nieces and nephews do.
I visited the Marine Corp Memorial in Washington, D.C. last spring and was so moved by it. This quote was on the side of the memorial -- a tribute to all Marines.
Behind the picture of my uncle I have included a copy of his actual death certificate.

32 comments:

vintage wil said...

Very beautiful, i love this
vintage look!!!

Sandy said...

Wow wonderful Arch. Really gorgeous design. Great artwork.

Femmy said...

Fabulous arch ! and a great tribute!!!!

Kris Dickinson said...

What a lovely tribute Louise!

Angelina said...

What a fabulous tribute!! Beautiful Arch!

Anonymous said...

A wonderful idea and a fantastic tribute.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful. A great way to remember him.

stamp and scrape said...

Thanks for sharing your family history - he's someone to be proud of. Great that you could use his document.
Ros

Heather Robinson said...

I am very moved by the fact that you created an arch in tribute to a family member. I really like the message that you included on it...so true. I am so blown away by the arches that are being created around this theme. Gorgeous work.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous vintage look and the story makes it extra special!

Kathy said...

The work on this is stunning and the words are very inspiring and a wonderful tribute.

Vintage Papers said...

you know this arch tugs at my heartstrings! beautiful art from your HEART! a wonderful tribute to your Uncle!

Lisa Silver said...

What a truly awe-inspiring piece. I am always brought to tears thinking of our troops and the sacrifices they make for us.

Thanks for sharing,
Lisa

Kreativgeschwafel said...

great arch and a wonderful way to remember you uncle

Lyneen said...

WONDERFUL tribute to your uncle... I love you were able to use family as apart of history... this is a reminder of the sacrafices so many give for our country!

Barbara Hagerty said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Uncle! A very wonderful way to keep his memory alive! Very lovely and touching!

Olympe said...

You make honor to your uncle ! You must be proud of him and you have a very good idea to tell us his history by the way of Art !! Memory of people dead is very important !! I hope that your arch will be selected by the blog !!

Anonymous said...

very beautiful and great tribute for your family !

Anonymous said...

its gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Arch!!

Jacqueline said...

Wow what a lovely mix of elements and I love the story behind it.

Debby said...

Fabulous arch.
Debby

Anonymous said...

This is fabulous, Louise. I've been copying old family photos for cards for my Mom to send to her brothers. They seem to be a hit and so much more personal.

Sarah said...

Louise, this is a beautiful piece of art and history! I hope you will make a copy for each member of your family...or better yet, do a whole series on your family!

Frieda Oxenham said...

What a beautiful tribute to your uncle, Louise. It takes my breath away!

Anonymous said...

This is really a good idea, I love it.

Maggie Ann said...

What a beautiful memorial and tribute to him!!! Just awesome...

Karen Owen said...

What a beautiful and fitting tribute to an American hero!

carylsrealm said...

wonderful arch!

Rika said...

This is wonderful!

Kriss said...

Fabulous arch. Thanks for the great story! This arch will help more to remember the sacrifice of some great men.

Mary-Beth said...

Wonderful piece and such a loving tribute to your uncle.