Honor. Duty. Sacrifice. Service.

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These are all qualities that are exemplified in the men and women in service to our country and our community.

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On May 9, 2014, Platform Art, in partnership with the Polk County Veterans Association, will unveil “Honor”, the first in a series of public sculptures that pay tribute to our veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency responders.

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Platform Art and professional artist, Tom Monaco, worked with Polk County high school teachers and students to create the sculpture. Students were challenged to design a piece - based on the theme, and submitted their entries for judging by Mr. Monaco and representatives of the other stakeholders. All of us walked past those entries this morning in the City Hall lobby.

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Platform Art was privileged to work with Polk County Arts Supervisor Kimberly Cruz, and art teachers who assisted 60 area high school students participating in this year’s project. The final design for the 2014 sculpture was selected at the PlatformKids juried art event held on February 1st at Oasis Community Church.

Maria Vazquez, a senior at Lake Region High School, was declared the winner. Her work was scaled up and fabricated in glass and steel by Mr. Monaco at his The Fourth Wall Designs studio. Miss Vazquez also selected a poem, entitled HONOR, to be incorporated into her sculpture design.

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The poet, William McGehee, wrote this piece while he was a senior in high school. He is now 25 years old, was a Theatre major in college, and is serving his second tour in Afghanistan. Our story caught the attention of Bobbie O’Brien, a reporter at WUSF radio. Ms. O’Brien is arranging an interview and requesting a reading of his poem, which will be aired on her National Public Radio program, Off The Base.

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Platform Art would like to thank our sponsors, WellDyneRX, Folsom Construction Management, The Drummond Company, CPS Investment Advisors, and the City of Lakeland, as well as all of our members and supporters for recognizing the value of public art, and investing in this community asset.