Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s Welding and Fabrication students recently completed a project honoring one of the most iconic images in American military history.
The semi-abstract sculpture, inspired by the historic flag raising on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in WWII, is now permanently installed at AMVETS Post #39 in Indian Lake.
The students spent this school year designing and constructing the sculpture, considering the visual impact, location, and structural durability. The sculpture honors the original image while showcasing student craftsmanship.
“Being outdoors, we chose 1/2-inch aluminum as the base metal,” said Welding and Fabrication Instructor Mark Barger. “One formative matter to take into consideration was the fact that this sculpture had to be aesthetically sound from both sides. Therefore, our design had to accommodate a pleasing view from the left and right sides.”
Commander Tim Pierce of AMVETS Post #39 visited the Welding and Fabrication classroom on Friday, May 2 to transport the piece to Indian Lake and talk to the students. They also watched a short documentary about Mount Suribachi, the site where the iconic flag raising image was taken on February 23, 1945.
“We want to thank AMVETS #39 for the opportunity to complete this project and remember this important part of history,” finished Barger.