The Liberty Trailer Project is at the Ionia Free Fair all week and is meant to honor, educate and inspire in its tribute to the soldiers who made sacrifices to protect Americans' freedoms.

IONIA It stands proudly, as it should, in front of the Floral Building on the grounds of the Ionia Free Fair. The Liberty Trailer Project pays tribute to those who dedicated and risked and many who lost - their lives for America's freedom. The 30-foot trailer is wrapped in photos from history. The back corner photo on the driver's side honors the United States Constitution and as the photos progress up and then around the trailer, they follow the history of the United States and the struggle for liberty for all, on home soil and abroad. The final photo in this incredible march through history is of the Twin Towers in flames after the attack on September 11, 2001. On one side the words are emblazoned In Honor of Our Fallen Heroes, and on the other is a stark reminder that, Freedom Is Not Free.

The project is the brainchild of Ron Miller, of Ionia. He points to the photos and describes the scenes, he cites statistics and shares facts about the events. He has an obvious passion for honoring America's veterans. His vision for the outside mural on the trailer was exact. He drew up his vision and then contacted a graphic designer for help.

I think I drove him nuts, said Miller with a wry smile. I knew how I wanted it so we went back and forth with changes to the original designs, and we went back and forth a lot. But, when it was finally done, I was thrilled with it.

Just like his design, Miller's goals are precise. He wants to honor, educate and inspire.

HONOR

The inside is a continuation of the honor shown on the outside. There are photos and stories paying tribute to local veterans. The project came to fruition in May of 2016. At that time, Miller's idea was to work with veterans and area VFW Posts. On Monday, May 17 of that year, the trailer made its maiden voyage to a McDonalds in Ionia. It was where several veterans often meet over coffee. Several walked away with tears in their eyes...what an honor to thank them and let them know how much we appreciate their sacrifice, marked the event on the project's Facebook page. Since that first day the trailer has stopped at many events, parades and VFW Posts, from Ionia all the way north to Mackinaw City. This fulfills his mission of Honor our Veterans.

EDUCATE

On his travels, Miller noted a desperate need for education especially for Michigan's youth. What I learned while engaging many teens at various events was shocking, Miller said. Many of our youth have no clue what the freedom we enjoy, and often take for granted, costs. That is where the mission of the Liberty Trailer changed. Miller approached the Ionia Public School system and offered to educate the students. He has now shared his knowledge with approximately 1,700 Ionia students in second through eighth grades. He has approached the Lowell School System for the 2017-18 school year. Check off Educate our Youth.

INSPIRE

Miller's goal is to inspire as many Americans as he possibly can with his Liberty Trailer Project. He points to the very few patriots in the 1770s who wanted to split from the tyranny of England's George III. They were just three percent of the population, but just look at what they accomplished. They built the greatest country in the world. Now, if that doesn't Inspire Patriotism nothing will.

According to Miller, The Liberty Trailer Project is funded through the donations of fellow patriots who believe in preserving the liberties and freedom we, as Americans, have enjoyed for 240 years. He is grateful for all who have supported his mission and vision. For more information, or for directions on how to donate, contact Miller at libertytrailer1@gmail.com.

The Liberty Trailer will be in front of the Floral Building in Antique Village this week during the Ionia Free Fair.

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Liberty Trailer Project succeeds in its mission - Sentinel-Standard