While the streets of downtown Circleville will be filled with pumpkin everything this year, they will also play host to two different exhibits honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s armed forces.
The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial will make its third appearance at Memorial Hall during the 2017 Circleville Pumpkin Show. The Show will also host The Spirit of America’s Story, The Wall at the Visitor’s Pavilion this year.
“The Eyes of Freedom has been a very popular exhibit,” said Nanisa Osborn, Pumpkin Show organizer. “We have been told by the people with the memorial that ours is one of the largest audiences they’ve ever had for their exhibit.”
The Eyes of Freedom is a traveling memorial honoring “the service and sacrifice of all who answer our Nation’s call; then, now, and tomorrow.” It features life-size portraits and displays depicting the fallen of Lima Company 3/25, one of the hardest-hit units in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Spirit of America’s Story, The Wall is also a traveling memorial offering a visual tour of America’s military history from 1775 to the present day.
“We [at the Visitor’s Bureau] were intrigued by the whole idea,” Osborn said. “When we found out it was a dedication to those who have served in uniform from the Revolutionary War through Afghanistan, we knew it was something we wanted to offer.” Both exhibits are free and open to the public during the Circleville Pumpkin Show.
“They are not in the same location, but hopefully people will take time out during the Show and go look at those displays,” Osborn said.
She said the events traditionally offered at the Visitor’s Pavilion have been moved to other locations throughout the Show to accommodate the Spirit of America’s Story display. Guests are advised to check the Pumpkin Show schedule for the new locations of those performances and displays.
More information on the Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial can be found at www.limacompanymemorial.org.
More information on The Spirit of America’s Story, The Wall can be found at www.spiritofamericasstory.com.
