Never Forget... Always Respect.

Mourning Glory
The inspiration behind the painting...
 
One night as I lay in bed, the idea for Mourning Glory filled my mind. I became so excited at the prospect of painting this glorious scene. I immediately got up and began to gather as many patriotic symbols as I could.

Mourning Glory, is dedicated to all those who love this land and it's freedom. It is dedicated to the sacrifices of those great men and women who've defended it.

Upon the ground near Lady Liberty, you see a book. On it's cover, the date of our nation's independence. On the front edge are represented those documents upon which our nation's freedom are founded; the dates of the signing of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. On the side edge are the infamous dates when our country was attacked by foreign powers, representing not only our sorrows, but also the standards of our freedom.

Lady Liberty lovingly comforts the noble defender of our nation, symbolizing the gratitude and concern of all those that benefit from the freedoms of this land. Her crown radiates as a symbol of the influence and power of Heaven in maintaining these freedoms.
In the foreground, you see barbed wire… each loop representing the battles fought to preserve this land and the pain so many suffered in doing so. The barbs remind us of the thorny crown worn by our Redeemer and the sacrifices He made in our behalf.

Growing up the barbed wire, you see the small white flowers of the Morning Glory. Like our country, it can bloom and flourish in the most adverse of circumstances.

In the background, you see the grave of one who has protected this land and given his life in doing so. He will never be forgotten as symbolized in the dog tags held by his comrade in arms, who now, must carry the heavy burden of protecting this nation and it's people.
Behind the main figures we see Old Glory, the symbol of our nation's independence, a nation United… Under God… Eternally indebted to the Heavens.

Amber waves of grain to the right of Lady Liberty represent the abundant blessings of this Promised Land and the world's reliance upon them.

Purple mountains majestically stand behind the grave as a reminder of those noble men and women who lead this nation and their responsibility to those who have defended it.

In the foreground on the right, we see the most important symbols of all. The Torch and light of Liberty and Truth, that rests upon a rock symbolizing the rock of our salvation and freedom, Jesus Christ. Our Redeemer's Atonement is the foundation of all Truth and Liberty. The Torch casts no shadow, just as the Saviors influence illuminates everything around it.

Upon the ground you see a gun, it's barrel goes behind the rock, a solemn reminder that the sorrows of war are often a necessity in the preservation of our freedoms, that when life is taken, it can only be justified through the Lord's Atonement, as He is the one who bears our sorrows and knows what is in our hearts.

When anything inspires or uplifts people for good… it is a gift from God. I am grateful to have had the opportunity of putting this painting on canvas, and hope that it inspires people for good.