Artist seeks donations, display locations to reach ever-growing goal
CLAWSON, Mich., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- It started as inspirational
artwork to honor America's fallen heroes. Today, the ambition has grown
stronger with the added goal of raising $1,000 for every family -- first in
Michigan and Ohio, and then nationally -- who has lost a U.S. soldier during
the war in Iraq. It is a target that is increasing almost daily.
Entitled "Home of the Brave," the artwork is a collage of patriotic images
drawn by Jonathan Durand, a Clawson, Mich.-based freelance artist and recent
recipient of a patriotism medal. Driven by the events of 9/11 and the war in
Iraq, Durand spent approximately 70 hours creating his colorful masterpiece
that captures various images from the National Anthem and America the
Beautiful, and also includes the U.S. Constitution, the commander-in-chief
bowing his head, a bald eagle and white crosses.
"When I first started selling the lithographs this past August, there were
about 28 Michigan soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in Iraq,"
Durand said. "The bar keeps getting raised, as now there are at least 36
service members. I know it's an aggressive goal to take it nationally, but I
will not give up until my mission is complete -- to be a blessing to the
widows, children and other family members of our slain troops."
A portion of the proceeds from every poster sold will be donated, $1,000
at a time. Each signed poster sells for $13 ($10, plus $3 for shipping and
handling).
Home of the Brave LLC made its first $1,000 donation in late October to
the trust fund of 3-year-old Joshua Bushart, whose 22-year-old father, Army
Pfc. Damian of Waterford, Mich., was killed in November 2003. The next
Michigan recipients will be the children of Army Staff Sgt. Mark Vasquez, 35,
of Port Huron, and the memorial of Army Spc. Donald Wheeler, 22, of Concord.
Then, funds will be donated based on the date of the soldier's death.
For his "outstanding patriotism in the promotion of our American ideals of
God, Home and Country," Durand was recently honored with the Ellen Hardin
Walworth Founder's Medal for Patriotism by the National Society, Daughters of
the American Revolution (DAR). He was nominated by the Ezra Parker Chapter,
DAR in Royal Oak, Mich. DAR was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in
Washington, D.C.
There are several restaurants and bowling centers throughout metro Detroit
currently displaying a framed lithograph and selling the posters on Durand's
behalf. The restaurants include Ginopolis' On The Grill in Farmington Hills,
Fox & Hounds in Bloomfield Hills and Picano's in Troy. The bowling centers
are located in Troy, Sterling Heights, Madison Heights, Waterford, Allen Park
and Redford.
Posters can be purchased at these locations for $10 or by sending a $13
check, payable to Home of the Brave LLC, to P.O. Box 12, Clawson, MI
48017-0012. Donations are also welcome.
For more information, to make a monetary donation or to sell the poster at
your location, e-mail durand86@hotmail.com or visit
http://www.homeofthebraveus.com .
SOURCE Home of the Brave LLC
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.homeofthebraveus.com
CONTACT:
Rich Donley, rdonley@bianchipr.com , or
Adriana Ferrari, aferrari@bianchipr.com , of Bianchi Public
Relations, +1-248-269-1122, for Home of the Brave LLC
NOTE TO EDITORS: For an electronic image of the Home of the Brave
poster, contact Rich Donley of Bianchi Public Relations at
+1-248-269-1122 or rdonley@bianchipr.com .
|
