Mug sale benefits vet’s wall
Posted on Wednesday, November 7, 2007
A number of visitors will likely tour the Wall of Honor near Lake Bella Vista in the upcoming weeks in observance of Veterans Day.
During this time of remembrance, the Veterans Council of Northwest Arkansas, the group responsible for maintaining the wall, is unveiling a new promotion to help with yearly upkeep costs.
A commemorative coffee mug is now being sold to supporters of the wall, said Leonard Eisert, a member of the council. The mug is decorated with a picture of the memorial and can include an image of any soldier's brick on the wall, Eisert said. More than 4, 000 names of U. S.
military personnel who have served during times of conflict are displayed on the wall, Eisert noted. Some of the names date back to 1776, he added.
The granite bricks on the wall display each soldier's name and rank, as well as the conflicts that occurred during their time of service. For a $ 25 donation to the council, a coffee mug can be customized with one image of a soldier's brick. It is up to the individual who donates the money whether it will be the image of a family member's, friend's or donor's brick displayed on the cup, Eisert said.
"These can make great gifts."
Each cup is sublimated, not screen printed, which increases the quality and detail, according to Oscar Johnson, owner of Oscar's Awards and Engraving in Bentonville, where the cups are designed.
The process transfers images by excessively heating the dye, which turns it into gas. The dye particles then settle on the designated outline on the surface of the mug, Johnson explained.
The difference is noticeable as the im- age on the decorated coffee mug feels smooth and not raised to the touch. This helps the image endure washing and handling better, Johnson noted.
For nearly two years now, the memorial has served as a point of interest for individuals inquisitive about America's past. The wall is lit during the evening and is open to visitors 24 hours a day, every day of the year at no cost to the public, Eisert said.
An estimated $ 10, 000 is spent every year on insurance, utilities, flag replacement and lawn care for the wall, he added.
The mugs not only help cover these costs, but serve as a daily reminder of the sacrifice and service of America's veterans, he said.
Order forms for the mugs are being sent to several previous donors. Anyone else interested in obtaining a cup can contact Leonard Eisert at 855-4421.
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