Dixon business’s mural pays tribute to America and military

Dixon’s All-Safe Storage owner Ron Keith wanted to honor America for its 250th birthday. Keith relied on office manager/artist/photographer Becky Hage to come up with an appropriate homage to the birth of the nation.

Dixon’s All-Safe Storage owner Ron Keith wanted to honor America for its 250th birthday. Keith relied on office manager/artist/photographer Becky Hage to come up with an appropriate homage to the birth of the nation. Having roots steeped deep in military service, Hage designed and painted an outdoor mural on the service door of the facility that celebrates the men and women who have and continue to serve.

Hage has three members in her immediate family plus her dad, an uncle and three brothers who are military. “My two sons were both interested in joining because they wanted to be like dad,” Hage said. Husband David Hage served with the 863rd Engineer Battalion while also serving as a state trooper.

Oldest son Christian Hage joined the Iowa National Guard as a Calvary Scout and Noah Hage is a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment known as the “Old Guard” at Arlington National Cemetery. Hage, who has painted indoor murals before, looked to local muralist Nora Reuter for advice on the outdoor artistry. Hage and Keith both had input on the design.

“I definitely wanted a flag,” Hage said, “but something a little more.” The two conferred and are both very happy with the end result.