It is Veterans Day is the United States and the McDonald Windows are a perfect example of some of more interesting stories that Veterans have.
Fredrick McDonald (1908-2002) was an Army Chaplain under Gen.Omar Bradley during World War II in the European Theater. McDonald when looking for places to worship was dismayed by the destruction of churches in Europe. He started to save the small shards of glass from shattered stained glass windows. He would send these chards back home envelopes to his mom in Seattle. For the next 50 years they sat in a box.
One evening during a dinner party at his retirement home, he mentioned that he had a box of these chards in his room.
Before his death in 2002, he worked closely with Armelle LeRoux, the lead stained glass artist in bring these shreds back to life in art. The shreds have been turned into 25 works of art containing the original shreds and new glass. One of the cool things is that he shared his personal memory of each place the shards were found:
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| The First One |
This is my favorite. The original picture of McDonald in the church during the war and the art that has been created
I was so lucky to see this. So super amazing. To my fellow Veterans, thank you for your service.
How unique, never heard of this before. You end by saying to my fellow veterans, are you a veteran? If so, thank you for your service, Patrick. I am the mom of a veteran ♥ Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 89. Shared.
ReplyDeleteU.S. Navy-1990-1994
DeleteI had never heard of these. They are amazing, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool thing to do, no one else would've thought of that.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful works of art, and such a poignant story behind them. Thank you, Patrick, and your fellow veterans, for your service.
ReplyDeleteThat was so interesting and the stained glass is beautiful. We appreciate and honor all who served.
ReplyDeleteOops, I forgot to say thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting at My Big Fat Menopausal Life's Share the Wealth Party! Hope to see you at the new party this week!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful glass windows and story. Thank you for sharing this with us at #weekendcoffeeshare.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing story of someone salvaging beauty out of tragedy and destruction. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCarol
www.scribblingboomer.com
I didn't know this. I learn so much visiting you, Patrick.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. ☺
Thank you for this story. Many Veteran's in our own loves ones, most of them gone. I appreciate your post and also all Veteran's who have served.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS Patrick! Your post is FEATURED at the Unlimited Link Party 90!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service, Patrick! And thank you for sharing all the awesomeness.
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