From the Lawton Constitution
By James Finck, Ph.D. 7
Over my years of travel, I have had the opportunity to visit many sacred sites. Some of these are sacred to religions, like small temples, giant cathedrals, or the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Other sacred sites are more patriotic, like Arlington National Cemetery, Valley Forge, or Antietam Battlefield.
One of the most solemn and sacred places I have ever visited is the Vietnam Memorial. I am always grateful for the hush that comes over the guests at the Wall, how they speak in whispers, acknowledging the importance of that place.
In that same vein, I am excited that the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum, in connection with Hobart, Oklahoma’s Celebration of Freedom, will bring the Veterans and Athletes United Fallen Heroes Memorial to Hobart on May 16 in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
This traveling memorial honors the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. It is a 28-foot-wide by 6-foot-tall American flag that symbolizes the shape of the flag when draped on a fallen service member’s casket. The flag is made up of more than 7,000 dog tags representing those who have fallen in the War on Terror since 9/11. There are 50 gold stars honoring Gold Star Families nationwide.
Displayed in front of the flag is a battlefield cross sculpted from mahogany wood by veteran artist Alicia Dietz. Since 2018, these two memorials, the flag and the cross, have traveled to more than 200 locations nationwide. The memorial serves as a powerful, tangible reminder that freedom is not free, and the names etched into its surface represent real lives, real families, and a real love of this country.
Because of Gen. Franks’ connection to the War on Terror and to Hobart, Veterans and Athletes United has chosen to honor this year’s Celebration of Freedom with a ceremony in which the names of those killed in action during the recent conflict with Iran will be added to the Fallen Heroes Memorial. The General Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is honored that this organization has chosen Hobart for this privilege.
This will be the first time the memorial has come to Southwest Oklahoma, an area defined by Fort Sill and Altus Air Force Base, two institutions that have sent numerous sons and daughters off to fight for freedom and, in some cases, give their last full measure of devotion.
I would be remiss to mention the Celebration of Freedom without acknowledging the passing of Louis Sims. The General Franks Institute and the town of Hobart had no greater friend and supporter than Lou, who passed away on Nov. 7, 2025. Lou was a true patriot who loved America deeply. Upon graduation from Panhandle State University, Louis was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably as a Special Agent in Army Intelligence. After his military service, he became a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service. He was first assigned to Chicago and then spent 17 years in Washington, D.C., where he protected U.S. Presidents from John F. Kennedy through Ronald Reagan. Later, Lou was appointed Chief of the United States National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, where he served for four years.
Lou loved his hometown of Hobart and was a major force behind the Celebration of Freedom. He served on numerous civic boards and committees, including the Board of the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum, where I first met him. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known, and I always looked forward to seeing his smiling face at each board meeting.
More than anything else, Lou loved his family: his beloved wife, Gwen (Jones) Sims of 60 years; their five children; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. My friend Lou was truly blessed.
This May, let us remember veterans like Louis Sims, as well as the many who gave their lives so this nation may live.
I invite you to attend the Celebration of Freedom and join us in honoring those who have fallen. If you come to see the memorial, be sure to stop by the General Franks Museum. It is truly a one-of-a-kind museum, with items that can only be found there. Gen. Franks is arguably the most important military leader of this century, and the museum helps visitors understand not only his life, but also our nation’s conflicts in the Middle East.
Bringing the VAU Fallen Heroes Memorial to Hobart requires significant logistical coordination, including transportation, setup, security, site preparation, and programming. We are reaching out for support from community leaders, groups, and businesses willing to help. Sponsorships are available at multiple giving levels.
If you would like more information or would like to support this cause, please contact Dr. Jill Green at (580) 726-5900 or jill@tommyfranksmuseum.org.
James Finck is a professor of American history at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and a board member of the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum. He can be reached at james.finck@swoknews.com.
Historically Speaking 