By Ryan Trares | Daily Journal
For The Republic
CAMP ATTERBURY — In vivid color, symbolic imagery and concentric circles, the experiences of nearly 60 Afghan refugees over the past five months came to life.
The 20-feet-long mural created by the refugees featured footprints that signified their flight as Taliban forces overran their homeland. At the center of the piece was a clock emblazoned with the number “15” — a reference to Aug. 15, the date when life fell apart in Afghanistan.
But elsewhere on the mural, lamp-like lights represented hope for the future. A band of daffodils, water and boats nodded at life’s new beginnings, rebirth and movement.
“It doesn’t take an artist’s eye, or art degrees, to instantly see and feel the beauty of this mural and what it symbolizes and reflects, knowing the hands and the souls and emotions that have poured out on this canvas,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said Monday morning.
Holcomb stood before the massive mural inside the Joint Visitors Bureau on Camp Atterbury, recognizing the struggles that Afghan refugees sent to the base have faced, and the next phase of their journey. His address represented the end of Atterbury’s participation in Operation Allies Welcome, the coordinated effort across the federal government to support and resettle vulnerable Afghans.
All but approximately 15 refugees have left Camp Atterbury, and those final few are expected to leave this week.
The federal portion of Operation Allies Welcome may be done in Indiana. But the state will continue to support those who have made the state their new home, Holcomb said.
“Our mission is accomplished here, but we will continue to walk side-by-side with our new residents here in the state of Indiana,” he said. “This was a true team effort.”
For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
