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Dear Friends,
There is so much for which to be grateful. Since our last newsletter, the President of the International Association of Fire Fighters became aware of the statue and sent a beautiful letter and referral. Then General Richard Cody, who commanded one of the most decorated units in Army history, became a friend of the statue and referred it for awareness to others.
There have also been obstacles to hurdle. The economy threatened the closing of 27 fire houses in New York and is making it difficult to schedule appointments. With the need to move "A Day of Service" statue (ADOS) from its Long Island home, and Ground Zero well over a year from completion, it will be necessary to find it a temporary home.
If you have an idea where it could be seen, respected and protected, please let me know.
Our "Heroes' Corner" continues recognizing an individual who has earned the right to be honored. This month's hero was referred to us by General Cody and the Executive Director of his wonderful organization, Homes for our Troops.
When any of our finest are severely injured and are unable to continue living the life they previously knew, this great organization steps in and, through the generosity of others, provides the keys to a new home adapted to their special needs. Please go to: https://www.homesforourtroops.org to learn more about them.
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Our Mission is to bring "A Day of Service" to the people of New York and the world.
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The Need for Your Support
To accomplish the mission, we ask you to send or resend the www.adayofservice.com link to your friends and ask them to put in their name and address to receive future newsletter updates. Also, "like" the statue at A Day of Service on Facebook and suggest it to their friends.
If you have an idea where the statue could be seen, respected and protected, please let me know. |
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Heroes' Corner
Our hero this month is truly an amazing story. Sgt. Peter Damon was serving in Afghanistan when an explosion took his arms from him and the life of his friend and comrade, Specialist Paul Bueche.
After a lengthy period of adjustment and therapy, Peter discovered his love of painting. Please go to: http://sgtdamonsart.blogspot.com/
to view some of Peter's paintings and read his story of courage. There is also an interview with Peter narrated by Phil Mickelson that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xz5UNwdrrE
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Peter! We are honored to have you as our Hero.
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| Recommend your favorite hero to me at larry@adayofservice.com. |
 The idea for this statue was instantaneous when I was informed that the foundation for the World Trade Center was accepting design bids for the memorial in 2002. After learning that the current style of design was geared more towards benches and gardens, I put aside my idea for several years. In the summer of 2009 the concept of the probable chaos in the stairwell came back to me while talking to trusted friend Brian Rinke. His encouragement along with the same from my wife, Marlene, led me to make a brave decision, one that defines the American dream. Namely, I decided to take a big risk with no guarantees. Marlene found the fine arts foundry of Elliot Gantz who referred us to sculptor Carter Jones. Carter's studio is located just several blocks north of Ground Zero. In late 2009 Carter and I started creating "A Day of Service". Since I have trouble drawing stick figures, I was unable to illustrate my ideas. It was a slow process to explain my vision to Carter and for him to sculpt it. Together we created the statue which combines 50 or so individual figures and groups, as well as numerous bas reliefs. As I mentioned in the DVD, I believe this creation is greatly needed and is for everyone regardless of your race, religion or politics. Every aware individual was involved on September 11, 2001 and every one of you has your own story and need for reflection. I hope this piece brings it to you. |
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Help Us Find a Home for the Statue
Simply put, I am looking for location where the "A Day of Service" statue can be put on display for public viewing. If you have any suggestion, I would be honored if you would contact me with that information.
The statue is currently housed at a fine arts foundry on Long Island. I am looking to loan the statue to a lobby or reception area of an office where is can be seen, respected and protected. I believe the timing for it to be seen is critical with the ten year anniversary of 9/11 fast approaching. In addition, the foundry is reducing its space by a reported 80% , which means that the statue has to be relocated as soon as possible.
Your suggestions, along with a contact name and contact information would be greatly appreciated. You can email me at larry@adayofservice.com
Thank you,
Larry Beckler
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Larry Beckler | | |
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