Patriotic retiree displays Marine statue in yard

Patriotic retiree displays Marine statue in yard
Passers-by frequently stop for photos
FLORIDA TODAY
Written by
Rick Neale
February 23, 2014

MELBOURNE — A life-sized replica of a white-gloved Marine wearing dress blues stands at perpetual attention in Bill Mueller’s front yard, flanked by a pair of fawn-colored boxers.

The 71-year-old installed the statue — plus a new 16-foot flagpole to fly the Stars and Stripes — last month to honor U.S. troops fighting overseas. Motorists in the Indianhead subdivision have noticed, pulling over to stare and take photos.

“Every time I heard about guys getting killed or maimed in Afghanistan and Iraq, it just kind of tears you up a little bit. And I just wanted to do something to do a dedication to the soldiers,” said Mueller who served in the Marines from 1961-64.

“ ‘Awesome’ is the word I hear the most. People are stopping by all the time taking pictures, and they come to the door and ask me if they can take pictures. I say, ‘Help yourself. Take all the pictures you want,’ ” he said.
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