MORALE Unveiling

A few years ago, the photographs in the Testimonies tablets at Patriot Plaza endured unexpected weathering and required replacement. Only seven original photographs installed remained in good condition. Looking for ways to be good stewards and outreach-oriented, The Patterson Foundation decided to refurbish and rehome these tablets across our community. The “new” tablets would be modified for interior exhibition and hosted by agencies whose work with veteran services stood out. 

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC), which holds and stewards the Patriot Plaza endowment fund, hosted the final installation celebration on December 2, 2024, which included an explanation of the Testimonies tablets. Here is an excerpt from the MORALE unveiling:

The artwork at Patriot Plaza contains several unique collections, including sixteen TESTIMONIES tablets made from Georgia white marble, matching the surrounding veteran headstones at the Sarasota National Cemetery. 

Each tablet tells a story. The collection comprises two types of stories: family stories and service stories. This tablet entitled, MORALE, is from the family story collection. 

Each TESTIMONIES tablet at Patriot Plaza has three components: a photograph, an illustration, and words from the heart. The individual components have been thoughtfully and artistically blended to illustrate the emotion behind each as they come together in one piece of art.

The military photojournalist’s job is to find and catch the storytelling moment. These components, blended together here on the MORALE tablet, boost the morale of the viewer–hoping for the sweet reunion after the void of a loved one’s absence. 

MORALE has found a fitting home here at the CFSC. Twenty-five years of the Season of Sharing campaign has boosted community morale during even the most challenging of times. And for forty-five years, the foundation has supported the work local nonprofits do for the community. MORALE has found its home!