Staff at The Friendship Home in Audubon surprised one of their residents over the last weekend with a personal visit of a life-size tribute to all military members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Millard “Mike” Michalski Sr. celebrated his 100th birthday with family, staff, and residents, viewing the over six-foot tall scrap metal figure, “Final Stand,” created by Scott Eickman. Michalski Sr first saw the piece at the Audubon County Fair, and Eickman says he tried to keep up with where the sculpture has been traveling to.
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“Final Stand” symbolizes many messages centered around a familiar theme. The piece portrays a soldier carrying another service member on their shoulders. The injured comrade represents doing anything for a brother or sister in arms, holding the fallen with them, but showing that they will always have their back (covering their 6) regardless of being physically gone. The upright soldier is viewed as in motion, needing to continue pushing forward. Eickman created the injured soldier out of 7050 reproduction dog tags, each representing an American service member who lost their life in an Afghanistan and Iraq conflict. Eickman says it never gets old to view people’s reactions to this artwork.
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Eickman is also a veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps from 2007 to 2011, where he was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He says his personal experience inspired the piece.
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Pictures of the “Final Stand” have been included below. It is also available to view in person at The Friendship Home until Sept. 3.
