IHS Studios         NEWS!!

FOR EMBARGOED RELEASE                                                                                              CONTACT: Kyle Key

FEBRUARY 25, 2002                                                                                                                                           (703) 626-5037

 

Army Chaplains to Assemble Stained Glass Window in Honor of Pentagon Victims

 

Design Incorporates Aesthetics and Symbolisms of Sacrifice

 

HILTON HEAD, SC—Every year, senior leaders of the U.S. Army’s chaplains and chaplain assistants gather for a training seminar as part of their continual vocational education.  This year, from March 4th through the 7th, the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps will honor the men, women and children who perished at the Pentagon on September 11th during their Senior Leadership Training Conference.  Through the collaboration of IHS Studios, a Fredericksburg, TX ecclesiastical arts studio, approximately 400 Army chaplains will assist in the assembly of a memorial architectural glass art window for the Pentagon.

 

The pentagon shaped window, designed with the head of an American Bald Eagle in the center, evokes patriotism with the U.S. flag waving in the background.  Above is inscribed “United In Memory” in glowing amber.   Below, is a picture of the Pentagon building, an olive branch symbolizing peace and goodwill along with the date “September 11, 2001.”  Circling the design are 184 crimson pieces of Dalle de Verre glass symbolizing the loss of military and civilian lives. 

 

On Tuesday, March 5th, each chaplain and chaplain assistant participating in the event will be given a numbered piece of glass to be placed in the design mold.  Artists from IHS Studios will complete the fabrication of the window on site.  The finished window will be presented to the Army’s Chief of Chaplains General Gaylord T. Gunhus as a gift from IHS Studios on Thursday morning, March 7th.  The Army intends to offer the window for the new Memorial Chapel that is being designed for the Pentagon to commemorate victims of the September 11th attack.

 

“This is a very significant event,” said IHS Studios designer Dennis Roberts.  “Some of the very chaplains who ministered to the grieving families and their loved ones on September 11th are going to put this window together by hand.  This is a tribute to honor those men and women who lost their lives in service to their country.”

 

“Throughout history, art has served as the public expression of humankind’s deepest emotion, thoughts, and faith,” emphasized Chaplain (Major General) Gaylord T. Gunhus, US Army Chief of Chaplains.  “The cathedrals of Europe have been called the “Bibles of the poor,” since everyone could read the Church’s Faith in the beautiful stained glass windows.  Through creating this stained glass window, we will express our faith as well as honor those we remember who were taken from us.”

 

The Annual Senior Leadership Training conference will focus on spiritual leadership and making a positive influence in today’s Army.  In particular, conferees will learn more about their vocation, mentoring and the prophetic voice of the Chaplains Corp in the culture of the Army. 

 

IHS Studios is an architectural art glass studio specializing in the custom design, fabrication and installation of architectural glass and artwork. All media is invited and encouraged to attend.  For press credentials and additional information contact Chaplain (LTC) Eric Wester at (703) 298-5082 or Kyle Key at (703) 626-5037.

 

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