CMP Donates Brass Casings for Veteran Memorial Project
By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
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MONTROSE, CO – Recently, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) donated nearly 15,000 pieces of scrap brass to a project that resonates the solemn sound of loss and the triumphant ring of liberty within the air. The dedicatory project has guaranteed that our servicemen and women will be commemorated with each gust of wind – chime and chime again.
The Let Freedom Ring wind chime project in Montrose, CO, was created to provide a way to honor veterans and their families, not only from Colorado, but from around the country. On Memorial Day, volunteers were out just after the sun peaked over the horizon to hang their hand crafted wind chimes in trees, parks, walking paths and many other areas.
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The two-foot long wind chimes are assembled by the volunteers at the Welcome Home Warrior Resource Center in Montrose and distributed to 100 public places each Veterans Day and Memorial Day. In only its second year, the project has scattered hundreds of wind chimes in recognition of those who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for American freedom.
The chimes are fashioned from military dog tags and contain ceramic hearts, stars and liberty bells. Old shell casings from 21-gun salutes fired at veteran memorial services also give these chimes their unique and prominent sound.
Besides the patriotic decorations, each chime contains a card that reads, “This bell chimes to honor those whose choice to serve and sacrifice protects our freedom,” reminding all those who hear it to remember the heroes who made our freedom possible.
Costs for the production of the chimes are underwritten from contributing organizations, businesses, local churches and community members in the Montrose area. For more information about the project, visit http://welcomehomemontrose.org/freedom-ring-project/.
The CMP is proud to take part in events, missions and ventures that honor our living and fallen military men and women.