Centro San Antonio unveils new downtown mural honoring veterans

Centro San Antonio on Saturday unveiled a new mural facing downtown’s VFW Post 76 that honors the sacrifices of those who served in the nation’s armed forces.

Freedom Isn’t Free by Gerardo “Ghost” Cazares features an American bald eagle over a red, white and blue backdrop emblazoned with military aircraft. An emblem over the bird’s chest incorporates both the Purple Heart medal given to those who are killed and wounded in service and the silhouette featured in the POW/MIA flag.

Centro San Antonio coordinated the mural through its Art Everywhere Project, which connects local creatives with businesses and property owners so they can liven up underutilized downtown spots with public art. San Antonio’s USAA, an insurance firm serving veterans and service members, helped underwrite Cazares’ creation.

Founded in 1917 in a Victorian home overlooking the San Antonio River, VFW Post 76 is the veteran-serving organization’s oldest and largest Texas post.

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This article appears in Dec 26, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025.