/mdva/assets/2018-05-30-usmc-painting-dedication_tcm1066-341083.pngThis past weekend north of Little Falls, the Veteran’s Historic Art Monument welcomed the fourth of five paintings to its installation at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Little Falls. Minnesota artist Charles Kapsner strives to honor each military service through his art by depicting the history and contributions made by men and women who serve our country. 

Cemetery Administrator Erik Sogge is honored to display the painting at his facility:

“Although the Marine Corps painting beautifully portrays countless historical moments, my favorite aspect involves a depiction of the famous flag raising scene on Iwo Jima. Charles Lindbergh, a local Marine who took part in the original flag raising, obtained soil from Mount Suribachi while visiting Japan for the 50 year anniversary. Doug Thompson, Curator for the Minnesota Military Museum, acquired a portion of this soil from Mr. Lindberg. The soil was then mixed with paint and added to the flag raising scene on the painting. This was an extremely humbling process to watch, as you see the physical soil that these Marines fought for being added to the most iconic image of the battle. You begin to contemplate what these Marines must have gone through and how many of them did not return home. To see physical history being incorporated was a very powerful moment that only furthers the impact the painting will have. The paintings, as a group, provide a well-deserved tribute to each branches’ contributions to freedom and democracy.  They also provide a unique educational opportunity for future generations. The paintings are filled with intricate details and tell the stories of the men and women who have fought for our country. Each painting is part of what will eventually be a five piece series highlighting each military service. Kapsner spends significant time researching the individuality of each branch. The paintings pay tribute to the military branch as a whole, while including history specific to Minnesota’s service members.”

Kapsner was commissioned by the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association to compose art for the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. The title he chose for this series of paintings is, "Looking to the Past, Present, and Future: A Veterans Educational Historic Project," commonly referred to as the Veterans Art Project. MDVA Leadership considers it an honor to have these paintings available for display and an even bigger honor to be able to portray the heroic human beings that serve our country.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs operates /mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/index.jsptwo State Veterans Cemeteries, with a third currently under construction.