Sterett-Gittings Kelsey Sculpture

Sterett-Gittings Kelsey sent this update on the Freedom Angel Sculpture Project - readon...

Over the course of the past two years, we have made amazing progress! We established Freedom Angel Foundation, Inc. and obtained Internal Revenue Code Section ( 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status. We are well on our way to our ultimate goal, of building a new monument for our whole nation to celebrate America and the Men and Women who protect her. The seven-foot clay figure of the Freedom Angel debuted at the Danbury Fair Mall in June, where I worked for two weeks to detail and finish the figure. While she was there, we introduced her to an enthusiastic public.

Our Angel returned to the Polich Tallix Foundry, where the mold-making process was completed last week. Now it is on to the third phase. The Foundry will cast the Freedom Angel into a magnificent bronze sculpture, using the traditional lost-wax casting process. This will take about 12 to 16 weeks for the completed work of art to be ready for shipping.

Phase Four: We will take this new American monument on a road trip around America to introduce the Freedom Angel to the nation. How will we do this? We have engaged a PR firm to get the media on board and follow The Freedom Angel on tour. By the time she gets home again, her image will have achieved national recognition by all Americans. She will be as well-recognized as the Red Cross. This tour is the least expensive, most efficient way to get the job done. Unlike memorials which cost millions of dollars, and do not give a penny to our Vets, our monument will actually make money and hopefully a lot of it for the care of our Vets.

The Freedom Angel is the basis for the Foundation's new emblem, which symbolizes the Foundation's, as well as the Nation's commitment to serve America's returning Heroes. We have licensed, trademarked and secured the copyrights and related intellectual property associated with the Freedom Angel. She is all set to go to work.

A manufacturer who makes annual donations, will have the privilege of using our logo on their products. For example, if you are a shirt manufacturer, you would place the Angels logo on each and every tag on your shirts. In this way, everyone will know that you are supporting our troops and you will of course be listed as a contributor on our website. Transparency is our corner stone and to the extent possible, all contributions and how and where these dollars will be used, will be up on our website 24/7! A grant making process is used for distribution of income to well established Foundations which are already doing outstanding work but need more dollars. In this way, through sponsorships, our Angel can engage every American and let each one know that they are a needed and vital part of the American team and that their contribution is needed and will be well used. Think of all the places an Angel can go!