Opening Night Reception to Take Place on September 13 at 6:30 p.m.; NVMM Will Be Exhibit’s Final Stop Before Its Permanent Install at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) today announced the opening of Remembered Light: Glass Fragments from World War II, which will run September 14 through January 26, 2025. Remembered Light is a collection of 25 artworks using glass shards collected from decimated European cathedrals, synagogues and chapels during World War II by U.S. Army Chaplain Frederick McDonald.
“Remembered Light continuesour yearlong focus on World War II-era storytelling, exhibiting exquisitely crafted art that fuses shattered glass remnants and Chaplain McDonald’s memories with his hope for future peace,” said Colonel Bill Butler, U.S. Army (Retired), acting president of the NVMM.
The pieces were created by 13 different artists under the direction of celebrated stained-glass artist Armelle Le Roux. Each piece incorporates unaltered WWII glass fragments, as well as McDonald’s memories, in order to create new stained-glass windows, sculptures and 3D pieces.
“Initially, Fred and I talked about creating some sort of memorial piece,” said Le Roux. “But because the glass had been saved as separate pieces, each with a name and history, everything had meaning, and I didn’t want to lose that.”
Remembered Light art pieces are displayed as a chronological journey. A map indicating locations where glass shards were gathered allows guests to trace McDonald’s movements in the 12th Army Group across England, France, Belgium and Germany, led by General Omar Bradley. The NVMM special exhibit is the final stop for these pieces before they are permanently displayed at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA.
“My great-uncle was tasked with finding suitable churches to hold services for all the non-Catholic soldiers,” said Bruce McDonald, nephew of Frederick McDonald. “His travels included several places he’d visited during peace time, where he began picking up the broken remnants of stained-glass windows. He loved to save things and always said that sometimes, it’s a small thing that brings back a memory.”
An Opening Night Reception will take place on Friday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available to the public online for $20 or $15 for Veterans and active-duty service members. The evening will include a short program before attendees will be able to see the exhibition before it opens to the general public the following day.
About the National Veterans Memorial and Museum
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum takes visitors on a narrative journey telling individual stories and sharing experiences of Veterans from all military branches throughout history. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum pays tribute to the sacrifices of men and women in service and their families. History is presented through a dynamic, participatory experience with photos, letters and personal effects, multi-media presentations, and interactive exhibits. Together, these elements link our national story of service to the larger context of the world.
With ongoing support from:
