Sculptor Brian Schader envisions a project that could take root in communities across the country to honor veterans.

His idea, “Trees in Honor,” would create a sculptural tree with military dog tags as leaves. The art would be a visual reminder of soldiers’ sacrifices and a tool to educate children about patriotism, honor and loss.

Every soldier in the U.S. armed forces has worn military dog tags since their implementation in 1917.

Schader’s father, Larry, served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His brother, Barry, was in the Navy during peacetime. Schader said he had the privilege of becoming a professional artist at the age of 19 as a result of the many young men and women who signed up to fight for his right to be that artist.

A campaign to raise $170,000 has been initiated through Fractured Atlas, a 501 (c3), tax deductible charity that helps artists and art organizations, said Robert (Bob) Couture, media and community relations representative who is assisting Schader in the project.

Contributions begin at $25 and extend to full funding.

Schader can be contacted at brianschader@yahoo.com. “Trees in Honor” has a Facebook page and posted a video on YouTube.

In 2009, Schader introduced his “Sentinel” series in which he wanted to bring awareness and tribute to soldiers with a stoic sculptural form of steel, stone and glass

The artist continues to add new pieces to the “Sentinel” series. He decided to create a more explicit form that the American public could appreciate.

Last January, as part of his “Garden of Life” series, Schader built a model tree, an 8-foot tall by 5-foot diameter stainless steel aluminum tree bearing a thousand blank dog tags as leaves.

While erecting the sculpture at the Veterans Memorial for photos, passersby expressed overwhelming support for the idea.

“It was at that point I knew there was no turning back. The expression I had created needed to be in front of the American public, and I would make it my mission to see that it happened,” said Schader.

He formed a Trees in Honor committee to proceed. Between 3,000 and 8,000 military tags of soldiers, past, present and into the future, will hang from the tree and create a wind chime. The tree size will be 12-feet tall.

Relatives and loved ones can sponsor an engraved tag of the soldier’s name. A contemplation seating area will surround the sculpture. Around the base of the tree sculpture will be brass leaves to depict veterans who lost their lives in combat.

“It will be a space to create a dialogue with our children about patriotism, loss and honor, and a space to feel the magnitude of the collective sacrifice of every soldier from the past to the future, all for a life we frequently take for granted.”

Schrader’s plan is to involve veterans’ service organizations who will raise sponsorships for the care and maintenance of the sculpture trees. For $50, a donor can provide a soldier’s name to be embossed on a tag. Actual dog tags could be attached for $25. Contributions would be tax-deductible.

Tree lighting ceremonies could be conducted on Memorial Day and Veterans Day when new tags are attached.

The artist believes his concept has the potential of branch out from Fountain Hills to communities to reflect on the meaning of freedom while “honoring our soldiers in a beautiful and heartfelt way.”