The Push

Date2012

MediumIntaglio

Dimensions15 × 22 in. (38.1 × 55.9 cm)

ClassificationsPrintmaking

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Escalette Endowment

Object number2020.1.35

Label TextVeteran: Yvette P., US Army

On March 21, 2003 over 200 vehicles crossed the Kuwait/Iraq border in a convoy headed into a war zone. This was the initial “push” of troops into Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Our convoy, filled with support staff was a day behind each major battle. As we journeyed through each landmark, I remember seeing the remnants of a battle from the night before. On buildings were unit crests and division symbols emblazoned in spray paint upon burning buildings and destroyed vehicles. I learned later that this was done as verification that an area had been cleared. I wrote a letter home describing what I saw and my thoughts of what must have gone through a young soldier’s mind when he/she tagged these spots. Pride was felt, I’m sure, but I also believe this was a symbolic metaphor for someone’s loss of innocence – a right of passage into a hardened new existence.

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