Cutting the ribbon of the Hero Tree are, from left, Kosciusko Chamber Marketing and Communication Manager, Alyssa Lowe, Warsaw Mayor, Joe Thallemer, VFW Post Commander, Rex Rife, VFW Second District Commander, Marvin Jacobs, VFW Auxiliary President, Kathy Snell, County Commissioner, Bob Conley, and Kosciusko Chamber President, Mark Dobson. (Photo by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — Warsaw Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126 has two new murals honoring those who have served in America’s armed forces.

The murals were dedicated Thursday evening, Sept. 24, with VFW personnel and city, county and Kosciusko chamber personnel gathered. Each mural was dedicated separately, with its own ribbon cutting.

As crowds gathered, the Extension Homemakers choir performed patriotic tunes. Guests milled about, solemnly viewing the murals up close.

One mural, the Hero Tree, fills a corner of the room from floor to ceiling and features a silhouette of a soldier kneeling in front of a cross. The main focal point is a tree with dog tags, each engraved with the name of someone who is serving or has served. The tags are green to look like leaves on the tree.

On the opposite wall is a mural titled, “Remembrance Wall.” It features an American flag as a backdrop, with an eagle carrying a yellow ribbon.

“We honor those who have served the cause for freedom,”  VFW Auxiliary President, Kathy Snell, said.

It was Snell who commissioned artist, Tammy Davis, to paint the murals. Davis donated her time and her own supplies to complete the project. She modeled the silouhette in the Hero Tree mural after her husband, a Vietnam veteran, who died last November.

Snell invites anyone who wishes to hang a tag on the tree in honor of a loved one who has served to contact the VFW. Tags are $10 apiece and will be engraved with the individual’s name, branch they served or are serving with, where they served or are serving, date of birth and, if applicable, date of death.

Those wishing to order a tag can call (574) 267-2768 or mail the person’s information, along with a $10 check or money order, to VFW Post 1126, 1350 W. Center St., Warsaw, IN 46580.