On a clear and cold December morning in Boise, Idaho, Sally
Jackson and friends gather at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery to pay respect
to her husband Captain Arthur J. Jackson, a World War II, United States Marine
Corps, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
Pictured above from left to right: James Earp; Tamara Earp; Sally Jackson; John Sword.
Sally's dedication and memory of her husband Art inspired
artist, John Sword, to create the Medal of Honor Urns that symbolize the
strength and courage of the recipients. Each urn is individually handcrafted
from wood and topped by a bronze leaf cast from an actual leaf from
Arlington Cemetery. In addition, a special compartment in the urns contains
earth from battlefields from around the world where US soldiers fought
and died. Sally then introduced this urn to the Congressional Medal of Honor
Society.
James Earp, the bureau chief of the Idaho State Veterans
Cemetery, and his wife Tamara first met the Jackson's years ago during their visit
to the Veterans Cemetery. When John
created the very first Veterans Ceremonial Urn covers for use during Veteran
and spouse committal services, James became good friends with John and his wife
Heidi. James shared the positive
experiences with other State Veterans Cemetery directors and the VA's Pacific
District Director who requested this program to be implemented at other National
Veterans Cemeteries. John has provided over fifty of these urns in eleven
states.
Tamara volunteers as the Wreaths Across America location
coordinator for The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Each year she provides a
special Flag that is placed in the wreath to recognize the valor, heroism, and
selfless sacrifice for the three Idaho Medal of Honor Recipients, Major Ed
Freeman; Colonel Bernard Fisher; and Captain Arthur Jackson laid to rest in the
upper section of the Veterans cemetery.
As the group was winding down, a magnificent bird flying in
the distance slowly approached. Once
within view it was clearly the Bald
Eagle, a symbol of our Nation's strength and freedom. This was an impressive conclusion as this
gathering of friends completed their visit to honor their loved ones, Veterans
and their families.
