The Rising Eagle
What does the empty boots ceremony represent?
This mural depicts the famous battlefield cross, a ceremony whereby fallen soldiers are remembered by their comrades. In this mural, a bayonet is fixed to a rifle which is then vertically forced into the ground. A helmet is placed onto the butt of the rifle and boots are placed at the feet. The origins of this tradition date back to the Vietnam War and continue today. This tradition has changed over time. At the beginning, the rifle was the only component. However, the ritual has been changed to include boots and a helmet that better represents the life of a former service member. Service members will kneel in front or beside the battlefield cross in silence for a time. Moreover, the names of the fallen soldiers are included in the roll call and will subsequently remain absent from the call. This is to indicate the gravitas and weight of the deceased. The battlefield cross has been used in nearly every conflict since the Vietnam War and has inspired dedications such as this mural.
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Something of note in this mural is the idea of the “unknown fallen.” We do not have a face or name to ascribe to the dead. Strikingly, the absence of identity is what grants weight to the idea of loss. The central idea is that of sacrifice itself and is seen throughout various memorials across the nation. For instance, at Ground Zero, we are presented with the essence of total loss in that we are given nothing but a hole to remember the events of September 11th. Similarly, the tomb of the unknown soldier in D.C. is an excellent example of this idea of loss. The soldier is given no name, and, in fact, this is done to symbolize all fallen soldiers. Likewise, this mural has the same goal. All this brings us to the truth of war.
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War, and the resulting loss of human life, have sadly been a cornerstone of American history from the founding of the nation. However, we see time and time again that these wars are discussed in terms of the loss or gain of land, influence, resources, or morality. Our attention is constantly drawn away from the sacrifices of people, civilian and military, foreign and domestic. Despite this, we must remember that the phrase “boots on the ground” means we are not just sending leather to the battlefield but people. When discussing future conflicts, it must be understood that no war is waged without a dearly paid cost. We invite the reader to consider the implications of this mural and the symbol of fallen soldiers.
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Credit: Trevor Snow is a 2023 graduate of JSU’s history program.
The iconic Twin Towers of September 11, 2001
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On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States.
Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defined the presidency of George W. Bush.
Never forget.
Photos
The photos displayed have been donated by American Legion Post 57 members Bob Pearl, CSM, Retired, and David Hall, 1SG, Retired, from their time in the service.
After 9/11- Here is a photo of the Pentagon on September 13, 2001 This attack led to many troops being deployed, some of which never returned and others scarred for life. Never Forget!
Here is what I wrote on my FB Page with this photo when I shared it on 9/11/14 - Not a day goes by that I do not remember, sometimes I wonder why I was late to a meeting that took the life of the people I was supposed to be meeting with. I guess God had a bigger calling for me?
I have worked long and hard both professionally (try to prevent this from happening again) and personally (an advocate for the wounded warriors and families who have lost loved ones). 9/11 reaches far beyond that day, it caused our President to send our troops in to harm’s way, many of which are scarred for life.... and many others who have not returned home to their families.
I like many others, lost close personal friends on 9/11. The days, weeks, months, years after 9/11, I worked with a number of families in a Casualty Assistance Officer role. In many cases not being able to confirm what you already suspected was the hardest part. I spent a great number of hours sitting and listening to family members, who wanted to share their memories.
Regardless of how exhausting it could be somedays, you never left them alone until they were done. I still have a number of those families who keep in contact with me. GOD BLESS!
David Hall
 Soldier standing guard over an oil field in Southern Iraq. Our coalition forces secured the fields, and then extinguished the fires, which were deliberately set. |  Soldiers on point in Afghanistan, near the Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul. |
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 Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division checking a bunker for WMD, Near Kirkuk. |  Striker Brigade Combat Team, training for deployment at the National Training Center, Ft Irwin, California. |
The Eagle Rising Image
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The artwork for this mural was donated in 2023 by a local Jacksonville artist, Chris “Paintbrush” Smith. His work is also in the WAC panel shown around the corner from the Rising Eagle.
Artist Smith chose the American Eagle, our national bird, to symbolize the strength of the American spirit. Eagles embody American might, regality, and ferocity. Thought of as the king of birds, it is not hard to see why eagles are the subject of so much awe. Eagles are apex predators who soar above their habitats with keen eyes, sharp talons, and mighty wings. Portrayed in traditional red, white, and blue colors, the Post 57 Rising Eagle watches over the veterans. His stars fall from the sky to honor and comfort the kneeling, grieving Soldier.
His work depicts Americanism and honors significant events of 9-11. Additionally, his work is gifted as a tribute to the American Veterans.