Fallen Warrior Wall for our
American Gold Star Mothers of New Mexico by Horses For Heroes - New Mexico,
Inc. 2013
Since 2011 we have been
blessed to be partnered with the American Gold Star Mothers (AGSM) Albuquerque,
NM Chapter.
In a heartfelt gesture of
respect, honor and gratitude we decided to honor their sons and daughters, our
post 9-11 brothers and sisters and Fallen Heroes by designing a memorial that
would be both a dignified and moving tribute as well as something that would
express the feelings of our ranch and warrior /cowboy spirit that is alive
here.
The results are a 4-foot by 6-foot
wood and metal shadow box wall sculpture. Constructed of our re-claimed barn
wood and patina metal with hand stamped brass dog tags containing the name, rank,
branch of service, date of birth, and place the fallen hero made their ultimate
sacrifice. A large Gold Star circled
with a wreath duplicating the AGSM logo completes the flag like design.
Of the pair, one dog tag is
permanently mounted on the wall and the second dog tag hangs from a 4-inch
brass chain. A wind chime effect takes
place as the dangling tags flutter in the wind and recessed lighting casts a
soft shadow on the dog tags.
At our 2013 Cowboy Christmas
Dinner the Fallen Hero Wall was unveiled and the first seven dog tags were
presented to the attending Albuquerque Chapter Mothers and their spouses. Cabinet Secretary Tim Hale, NM Dept. of
Veterans Services assisted us in these presentations.
This memorial will be permanently installed on the West wall of our Warrior Bunkhouse as a Tribute to our Fallen Heroes of New Mexico.
