On the 11th of November, Veterans Day, a monument will be unveiled in Valdosta, a tribute to core military values and to the men and women who have served our nation. Designed by regional artist Marty Haythorn, this public art project, in the shape of a pentagon, measures six feet high and six feet in diameter. A 40 square feet mosaic work of art will cover the upper section, depicting the military experience in both war and peacetime with historical images fired on ceramic tiles. Individual members of the military from our region will be depicted, as well as additional tiles depicting the stars and stripes and core military values.

Recognition of the sacrifice those who have served our nation has been the focus of monuments or memorials throughout our country. In addition to this recognition, and the depiction of life in the military, the core military values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and commitment will be included.

Members of the Valdosta community have an opportunity to help create the mosaic section of this public art project during community workshops at the Turner Center for the Arts annex building, 601 N. Patterson. Instruction and guidance will be provided by Mr. Haythorn.

Sessions have been scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, October 10th, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, October 11th, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 12th. The public is invited to help arrange tiles on plywood panels in preparation for installation on the finished monument. There is no charge for these workshops, but space is limited. Registration is open to anyone middle school age and older. Call the Turner Center for the Arts to register at 229-247-2787, and join others in paying tribute to the men and women who have served our country and to the values our military represents.

Additional contributions to this project can be made by loaning photographs or digital images of relatives who have served in the military or of wartime scenes. Not all images will be used and any photographs or digital images loaned for this project imply permission to use them in this project and must be free of copyright protection.

This monument is sponsored by the City of Valdosta’s Public Art Advisory Committee with support from the Turner Center for the Arts.