Freedom Memorial at Matter Park
Marion, Indiana
The creators of the Freedom Memorial took a unique approach when planning and designing this monument. They determined that the ultimate purpose of any monument erected to honor the courage and sacrifice of the American Soldier should focus on the soldier’s raw, unadorned, absolute sacrifice.

The most appropriate way to do that, they reasoned, was to create a monument where the true nature of the character of these men and women would be palpable…where the soldier’s pure sacrifice would be understood, recognized, and felt by all in its presence.

Instead of gushing waterfalls, spraying fountains, million dollar statues and countless flagpoles, the Freedom Memorial’s simplistic design attempts to reflect the raw sacrifice of the American Soldier as well as the pure hearts and passion for country of the people of Grant County. The creators believed that the striking beauty of the Freedom Memorial would be in its simplicity and authenticity.

With a vision for the Freedom Memorial firmly in place, the “Battlefield Cross” was selected as the centerpiece. When a soldier is lost on the battlefield, it has become customary to arrange that soldier’s boots, rifle and helmet in a display known as the Battlefield Cross. The members of their squad will gather around the Battlefield Cross and memorialize their fallen comrade. Some of the troops will pray, others might recall funny stories. But make no mistake; this is a ceremony that is taken very seriously. The Battlefield Cross is still used in military memorial ceremonies to this very day, and as such, was the obvious choice for the Freedom Memorial’s focal point.

Next, the materials of the memorial and their size and shape were selected. The large stone behind the Battlefield Cross mimics the headstones of American heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a massive piece of stone that is over one foot thick and weighs approximately 6,000 pounds. Its size is symbolic of the strength of the American Soldier as well as the breadth of their sacrifice. It will be made of native Indiana limestone, mined from a southern Indiana stone quarry. A stone mason from central Indiana will do the carving.

Finally, the location of the Freedom Memorial was selected. In keeping with the theme of the Freedom Memorial and what it represents, a somewhat private, peaceful location was sought. A place that would provide patrons with an opportunity for quiet reflection. After much consideration, an open field overlooking the Mississinewa River in Matter Park was selected. A picturesque and secluded location to be sure, yet still easily accessible to all.

What the creators have designed is meant to be a strong, pure, honest memorial – built by local craftsmen with local materials – honoring the strength, purity and honesty of the American Soldier’s sacrifice. Its innate beauty is in both its simplicity, and its authenticity.

It is our sincere hope that you help make this vision a reality with your financial support. You can help with your donation currently being accepted at any Beacon Credit Union branch, or you can go online to www.bowenscholarship.com, or you can participate or volunteer for the Run For Freedom 5k/2mile walk on May 22, 2010. More information is available at www.runforfreedom5k.com.

THANK YOU for doing your part to help recognize the sacrifices these American Heroes have made defending the Freedom we all enjoy.

Sincerely,
The SFC Collin J. Bowen Memorial Scholarship, Inc.

If you would like to mail your donation, please send to the following:

Beacon Credit Union
c/o Bowen Scholarship
1603 N. Baldwin Avenue
Marion, IN 46952

or DONATE ONLINE

Thank you again for your support, we are truly honored that you have chosen to contribute.