Old Barn Self Storage in Grass Valley, Calif., erected artwork on its hillside earlier this month in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which was celebrated yesterday by U.S. residents. Facing Highway 20/49, the 16-foot-high painting titled "Fallen Soldier" was created by local artist Steve Liserra. It features the phrases “all gave” and “gave all,” connected by the word “some.” It also contains what’s commonly called “the soldier’s cross,” which shows a helmet and inverted rifle inside empty boots. Liserra added metal dog tags hanging from the rifle that appear to be swinging in the wind.
"We hope with this project to encourage people to continue to show respect to our military and their families," facility manager Lloyd Young told the source.
The art is also a personal tribute for Liserra and Young, who both served in the armed forces. Young joined the U.S. Army Infantry in 1971 and continued in the Army Reserves, while Liserra served in the National Guard beginning in 1969, the source reported. "I owned those boots. I had that rifle,” Liserra said.
Young and Liserra previously collaborated on another hillside work of art depicting the raising of the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima to honor World War II veterans. Old Barn also regularly displays art depicting cows, flowers and other motifs, including those that reflect holidays such as Father’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.
Locally owned and operated, Old Barn Self Storage has served Grass Valley and neighboring Nevada County, Calif., communities since 2005.
