(Aug. 13, 2008) News Release - Gov. Dave Heineman today recognized Falls City High School senior, Timothy von Behren, who won a national contest for his patriotic artwork in the 2008 Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards Scholarship Contest.  Timothy’s drew “A Tribute to Jacob” for his teacher, Mrs. Noala Fritz, who’s son, Army 1st Lt. Jacob Fritz of Verdon, died Jan. 20, 2007 in Karbala, Iraq at the age of 25.  Dixie Hild from the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was there to explain the $10,000 scholarship that Timothy will receive for winning first place nationally in the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. 

Timothy wrote the following to describe the artwork.

“A Tribute to Jacob”

We, the class of 2009 of Falls City High School, present this gift to you, Mrs. Fritz, in memory of your son, Jacob Fritz, who died for his country.

The American Flag represents Jacob’s patriotism and Jacob’s life in the military…duty, honor, country.  The United States flag has red stripes symbolic of spilt blood for freedom.  This truly was the case for Jacob. 

The grain in the forefront represents the portion of Jacob’s youth that was rooted in the family farm.  There are 25 heads of grain, representing the number of years Jacob spent here on earth. 

The waterfall symbolizes Falls City where he spent many summers as a lifeguard.

Mountains of Alaska are depicted in the background, as Alaska was a part of his life.

The soldier’s cross memorializes Jacob since he gave his life for his country.  Because Jacob was a Christian, he was well aware of the symbolism of the cross; that being the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who died on a cross, giving his life for all mankind. 

A brightly lit sky represents not just a sunset on his life on earth, but it also represents the dawn of a new day as Jacob begins his eternal life in heaven. 

Mrs. Fritz, we salute your son.  He was truly an American hero.