Base receives artwork honoring military heritage

Published May 9, 2013
By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- A new display honoring American Veterans is slated to be added to the Heritage Room in the NFARS Community Activity Center.

Created by Vietnam Veteran, Dan DeCrow, the piece titled "Never Forget Silhouette" pays respect to the War Dead and Veterans of World War I all the way to those who fight in the War on Terror.

The silhouette has items that represent the major conflicts of the past two centuries. An entrenching tool of World War I; pants bloused in boots and a canteen, symbolic of World War II; the type of helmet service members wore in the Korean War; and the M-16 carried by those in the jungles of Vietnam. The Silhouette is paying respect to the Kevlar Helmet on top of a modern M-16 which symbolizes those who fought and died in the current War on Terror. Finally, there are empty dog tags, symbolizing the lack of space for the names of the men and women who died fighting for this country.

This is just one of many signs that DeCrow has made. When he completes them, he donates them to families who have lost loved ones in support of the nation's defense.

"This particular sign was donated to the Niagara Falls ARS through the local chapter of the Patriot Riders, as they wanted the sign to have maximum visibility with current military members," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Roach, 914th Services Superintendent.

The Patriot Riders escorted and then delivered the artwork to the base. There was a small ceremony held in the Community Activity Center where Airmen and Patriot Riders participated in the dedication of the art piece.

DeCrow's brother in-law, Dan Walsh, also a Vietnam Veteran, provided the original materials and equipment for Decrow's memorials.

"Sometimes people see these memorials and purchase them," said Walsh. "When they do, every cent is put back into making more memorials."

"This piece will be great to have in the Heritage Room in the Community Activity Center," said Roach. "We are now trying to collect items like this and display them for the military heritage, not just Niagara, but for all U.S. Military."

"It's great that this artwork is going to be displayed in an area where Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines can view it regularly," said Walsh.

The Patriot Guard Riders is a motorcycle club whose members attend the funerals of U.S. armed forces members, firefighters, and police at the invitation of the deceased's family. The organization is open to anyone, regardless of political affiliation, veteran status, or whether they ride or not. The only prerequisite is "a deep respect for those who serve our country; military, firefighters, or law enforcement."

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