Freedom of Expression Painting Presented to The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

January 10, 2007

Freedom of Expression Painting Presented to The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in Support of The National Museum of The Marine Corps

Quantico, Virginia - The National Association for Music Education's (MENC) Caitlin Merie Hurrey Fund and nationally known Artist Dean J. Baer collaborated to donate his Freedom of Expression painting to the National Museum of the Marine Corps/Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

The painting was presented to the Museum January 10, 2007, by Earl Hurrey, Assistant Executive Director of MENC and retired Marine Corps, Master Gunnery Sergeant;  John J. Mahlmann, Executive Director of MENC; and Dean J. Baer.

 “The Heritage Foundation is extremely grateful for such a meaningful contribution that pays tribute to the U.S. Marines and attests to the Corps' courage, commitment and service to our Nation.”  LtGen Ron Christmas, United States Marine Corps (Ret), President, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

“On behalf of MENC’s Caitlin Merie Hurrey Fund, we are delighted to contribute this painting to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation/Marine Corps Museum as a sign of support to the men and women of the Marine Corps who have dedicated their lives to the Freedoms we enjoy,” said Hurrey.

 "I am honored and humbled to have this painting on display at The National Museum of the Marine Corps… as I can think of no better place given the message this image conveys," said Baer.

The Freedom of Expression image was associated with Baer’s national Gift of Freedom project which ended December 31, 2006, a project which supported several National non-profit organizations.

The original painting is now on display at The National Museum of the Marine Corps. Open and limited edition prints and note cards of the Freedom of Expression image are now exclusively available at the museum gift shop and can also purchased at their Museum Store Online at: http://www.usmcmuseum.org/ or http://www.marineheritage.org/.