Freedom Takes Flight Dedication Set

GRAND RAPIDS, Ohio — A new public art project celebrating America’s 250th anniversary will be dedicated in Grand Rapids later this month.

Freedom Takes Flight, a mosaic glass eagle sculpture, will be unveiled Sunday, Sept. 27, following a patriotic program and community parade.

The sculpture was designed by nationally known mosaic glass artist Gail Christofferson and architect Craig Hamilton. The eagle was selected because it is the national symbol of the United States and because eagles are often seen near the dams in the village.

The project has been supported by six major sponsors and 11 donors, whose names will appear on a bronze plaque at the base of the sculpture. A 10-member committee has helped guide the project, with Lynne Long spearheading the effort.

The afternoon will begin at 3 p.m. with a patriotic program inside the Historic Grand Rapids Town Hall. The program will feature Mark Sarkan, Lynne Long, dancers from Defying Gravity Dance Studio, readings by Steve Kryder and Sean Thiebaut, and videos featuring Red Skelton and Paul Harvey.

The Town Hall bell will also be rung to open the event. In 1976, the bell was rung by Howard, Deloy, Joe and Kevin Long to mark the nation’s Bicentennial. Joe and Kevin Long are expected to attend, along with Al Wellman, who served on Village Council in 1976, and Sharon Carter, whose husband, Jimmy Carter, was serving as mayor at the time.

After the program, those in attendance will be invited to follow bagpiper Kari Rosania and the American Legion Post 232 Honor Guard to the sculpture site in Pirates’ Park.

The parade is also expected to include the Sons of the American Legion Post 232, Grand Rapids Village Council, Grand Rapids Town Hall Committee, Boy Scout Troop 325, Wood County Park District, Northwestern Water and Sewer District, Grand Rapids Township Fire Department, dancers from Defying Gravity Dance Studio, decorated bikes and golf carts, floats and other entries.

The dedication ceremony will include a welcome from Mayor John Berry, remarks from State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari and the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner led by the Otsego High School Band.

Hamilton and Long will then unveil the sculpture.

The event is free and open to the public.