Every year, hundreds of thousands flock to Arlington, Virginia, to visit the Marine Corps War Memorial. The iconic statue honors Marines who have died on the battlefield.

Now, people in North Texas are feeling the same pull. It’s sending them to a random neighborhood in The Colony to see a handmade veteran memorial.

The local rendition of the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial in The Colony is perched outside Tim Hall's home. He’s a man determined to build bridges in his community as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day.

Down on Ragan Street in The Colony, a piece representing American history is turning strangers into fast friends.

Hall is one of the co-creators of the conversation piece. Using 12-guage steel from his sign company, his son and a couple of friends made what they call a "tribute recreation" of the historic Iwo Jima Memorial in honor of Independence Day.

“It is important to remember what other people do for you,” Hall said.


The memorial was created to thank active and retired military and first responders for their dedication to public service. It's quickly drawing a crowd.

“I’m just overwhelmed to see them all come out and support this,” said Dion Burks, a U.S. Marine veteran.

Over the past few days, dozens of people from all walks of life have made their way to the neighborhood to sign the tribute. Many of them have taken a picture to mark the memorable moment.

For the Hall family, the tribute is about bringing people together in a positive way. It's clear from the turnout and conversations that it’s working.

After the Fourth of July, the family plans to donate the memorial to a local veteran’s organization.