MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - -- Many military supporters have their own way of showing their appreciation for the dedication service members do for their country. Some by placing supportive bumper stickers on their vehicles and others by holding functions for service members and their families, but Terrence Hill, a retired Army veteran, has his own unique way of paying homage to those who risk their lives in the name of freedom.
The former 82nd Airborne Division soldier specializes in hand-made three-dimensional leather sculptures. He honored the Marine Corps including those fighting the Global War on Terrorism by creating a specially made leather sculpture to commemorate their hard work and achievements.
Hill presented the Marine Corps Base Chief of Staff Col. William Meier and the Marines of Camp Lejeune with his multiple image artwork of Marines and their many different achievements.
Hill announced he would be working on the piece Labor Day last year, working on it while at Onslow Beach. After spending two months making the piece, it will now hang in the General John A. Lejeune Hall.
“I just wanted to pay a tribute to all the military branches,” said Hill. “With this Marine Corps picture I wanted to show all the many different sides the Marine Corps has.”
With the title of the piece “For Honor, For Courage, For Country” outlining the top, Hill portrays different historic Marine Corps moments.
In the center of the piece, Hill depicts the famous raising of the American Flag at Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima.
“The piece also features Marines fighting in the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq, as well as a depiction of a Marine honor guard presenting a child with a flag to honor his fallen parent,” said Hill. “I wanted to show that the purpose of war is for people to have freedom.”
Hill also plans to work on pieces for the other military branches to show his support for all service members.
“I am doing these for all of the branches, because we are all fighting for the same cause,” said Hill. “The only difference between the branches is the uniform.”