Mount America

Mount America History Gray Horse Farm was purchased by Vietnam veteran George Turak and his wife, Michelle Turak, in 1999. About 2009, Robert Daniels said to George, "You have been back from the war for 40 years. Do you think it’s time to put up a flag?” Soon, a flagpole 40 feet in height stood proudly atop the highest point on the property. George found a life-size marble sculpture of a WWI soldier who pulls guard duty below the flag. Friend, Purple Heart recipient and sculptor Andrew Chernak, also a veteran of the Vietnam War, created bronze soldiers crosses depicting the boots, helmet and weapon of the fallen. Seven of these crosses stand at the top of the hill, each 21 feet apart. Every Memorial Day a ceremony is held. Three people stand at each cross. Each person in turn says a name and rings the helmet, which sounds like a bell. Twenty-one names will be spoken in remembrance of their sacrifice for their country. Every U.S. war is represented except WWII, as we have not found the right sculpture as of today. In 2014 the three Clemens brothers did a crayon-on-canvas artwork and called the hill Mount America. The following year a bronze plaque was placed and the hill was officially named Mount America. Capt. David A. Christian, one of the 50 most decorated Vietnam veterans, did the honor of blessing the hill at the dedication ceremony. In the last few years we’ve hosted several groups for activities on the property including soldiers from Walter Reed for fishing, Gold Star Families to aid in their healing, and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, our future leaders, for training. The Mount America Foundation was formed to carry on and expand our service to others who love our country. After all, Love of Country Leads.