When the eyes of the world are focused on the unveiling of the new World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., two years from now, millions of Americans will see a shining testament to the artistry produced in the little town of Joseph, Ore.

   The "Freedom Wall" on the west side of the 7.3-acre site, located between the Washington and Lincoln memorials, will be adorned with 4,123 gold-plated stars cast at Valley Bronze of Oregon. Each star will represent 100 servicemen and women who died fighting for their country.
   Fifty-six granite pillars around the perimeter of the memorial, representing every state and territory in the union, will be decorated with twin wreaths, also cast at Valley Bronze.
   Two 70-foot flagpoles flying the American flag at the ceremonial entrance to the memorial will be anchored to the ground by massive pedestals created at the Joseph foundry.
 
(Illustration: artist's conception of WWII Memorial.  Washington Monument is in the background on the right.)

   Two monumental bas relief medallions patterned after the "victory medals" given to WWII veterans for winning the war will glimmer from the floor of the archways at each end of the memorial. They, too, will be created at Valley Bronze, as will four water fountains and 900 linear feet of decorative
drainage grate which will encircle the memorial.
   All in all, it is the largest project in the 20-year history of Valley Bronze, which landed the $1.7 million contract last week.
   "It's a tremendous project," said David Jackman, president and chief executive officer of Valley Bronze. "It takes us into a realm of work where we have never been before. What a thing to be a part of. What a contribution to make to the country. It's high time we recognized our World War II veterans."
   The project will push Valley Bronze into full production for the next 10-12 months, according to Jackman.

   The World War II memorial will be the only 20th century event represented on the central axis of the National Mall. It was given this prominent location to demonstrate the historical importance and lasting significance of World War II to America and the world, according to the National World War II Memorial web site.
   A team of Valley Bronze employees will likely get to know the site very well, as the Joseph firm is responsible for installation of the gold stars on the Freedom Wall.
   Besides sheer size and national prominence, the project is significant for Valley Bronze because it represents the convergence of fine art with engineering, architecture, and construction – a path the company discovered two years ago when it created and installed an elaborate door on a
Spokane, Wash., cathedral.

   "It implies engineering and design elements that you don't have to address if you are doing limited edition sculptures for an artist," he said.
   The new path couldn't have come at a better time, as production of fine art is in the doldrums, according to Jackman, who hopes to add back some of the positions that were recently cut at his plant.
   The driving force behind this convergence of art and architecture is Janelle Stewart, who moved to Joseph last year and opened up a drafting company, Stewart Springs, Ltd.
   Stewart came to Northeast Oregon from Virginia with considerable experience as a construction project manager.  (Photo of  Stewart, L, and Jackman by Rick Swart)

   She is the person who introduced Valley Bronze to the project and worked with them under a joint venture agreement to put together the winning bid.
   "There is no way we could have put this project together without her expertise," Jackman said of his new partner.
   Part of Stewart's strategy was to bid every piece of the foundry work, knowing from previous experience that contractors would rather deal with one subcontractor than a bunch of them. That strategy paid off as the contractor called Jackman and Stewart to Washington, D.C., to negotiate
a deal putting all of the pieces into one package.
   Stewart said the contractor's representative, Gregory Druga, was very impressed with what he saw last week when he toured Valley Bronze's facilities.

"He was impressed with the enthusiasm, the work ethic, and camaraderie," she said.

©2002 Wallowa  County Chieftain  Reprinted by permission  All graphics are links.