On the lawn in front of Old Main, students have the opportunity to view a new exhibit this week that places a realistic twist on the harsh reality of war and its effects on the lives of innocent civilians.
The American, Afghan and Iraqi Children's Memorial is designed to help remember the children who have perished in the ongoing conflicts within the three nations.
Dale Clark, the artist behind the memorial, said he has been trying to raise awareness about what the war is doing to so many people in so many places. His biggest concern is how the most vulnerable victims are those who do not engage in the conflict voluntarily.
"This memorial is really an awareness piece. We hope that no more kids will need to suffer," Clark said. "War can be terrifying on anybody, most especially on the children who didn't sign up for it."
The names of more than 600 children are documented on mock "headstone" tiles and more names will be added as time goes on, Clark said.
"People usually don't see children in a light like this," said religious studies senior Elizabeth Palmer. "This really helps show what war does to children and the lasting implications."
With only a staff of three to seven people, the process of compiling, processing and getting information ready to present can be a difficult task on several levels.
"I originally was just supposed to type. I cannot tell you how many times I needed to stop not only because of being tired, but it was so heart-wrenching to see such tragedy," said Susan Schubert, an artist and staff member working with Clark.
Still a work in progress, the piece to date has cost more than $30,000 and is funded by the sale of other artwork and T-shirts. Clark said he is hoping other benefactors will be interested in the message and donate to the cause.
Clark said at the UA the memorial has received a positive response overall, but he has noticed many people have a difficult time dealing with the emotion that such artistic expression causes.
"The memorial is so very powerful," said Sean Delaney, a political science senior. "Some of the pictures and quotes are moving yet very tough to take."