Last September, the Marine Corps created a visual landmark in Scottsdale commemorating its service and sacrifice.
Sun, wind and rain have faded portions of the Marine Mural, located just north of the Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. But today, Aug. 5, a contingent of current and former Marines will give the artwork some fresh paint and tender loving care.
The mural was dedicated as part of the Valley’s Marine Week, a program the military service conducts each year in different locations to connect with the public and showcase what they do for the nation.
The Scottsdale mural depicts iconic Marine images, plus a variety of Marine air and ground units training in an Arizona landscape of desert buttes and mountains. There are also personal stories within the artwork.
One of the mural figures honors Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, a Valley Marine who lost his life during Nepal earthquake relief efforts in 2015. The Marines who created the mural were combat illustrators, the same military occupation as Hug. Several of them knew the graduate of Barry Goldwater High School. One is Cpl. Scott Roguska. He’s based at the Yuma Marine Corps Air Station and is returning to Scottsdale for the maintenance project.
“It was an honor to be part of the team that created the mural,” said Roguska, a former Scottsdale resident. “It carries some important messages so we want to make sure it always looks good and continues to be a point of pride for both Scottsdale and the Marine Corps.”
Besides a group of active duty Marines from Yuma, the maintenance team will include volunteers from the Phoenix Marine Corps Recruiting Station and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.
Other community groups are also pitching in. The Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Scottsdale Hyatt House have donated lodging for the Yuma-based Marines while they are working on the mural.
