Project: Lt. Col. Paul Finken Memorial Marker

Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for everyone who has died serving in the American armed forces. The holiday, originally known as Decoration Day, started after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate dead.

In 2007 I was asked to create a monument for Lt. Col. Paul Finken. I sat in the studio with his widow Jackie and their three small daughters to listen. I heard about a loving man from Iowa who was one of ten children. He loved his country and he deeply loved his family. He was killed by a roadside bomb on the final patrol of his year long deployment.

I heard the story of how he took Jackie’s hand and held it with tenderness when they first met. This monument, hand carved, to honor and remember Paul was made with love.

This Memorial Day I remember you Lt. Col. Paul Finken and I say THANK YOU.

With Gratitude,
Karin Sprague, Stone Carver