A proud US Army veteran who fought alongside the British in WWII, Ellis symbolized resilience and a living connection to a crucial chapter in American history.

Source: https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2023/12/remembering-the-icons-we-lost-in-2023/

He added that his work is like “counting coup,” an Indigenous tradition symbolized by daring acts in battle without causing harm to opponents.

Source: https://www.aspendailynews.com/arts_and_entertainment/indigenous-ledger-artist-finds-sobriety-and-empowerment-through-art/article_7188abe6-8b34-11ee-b616-d34bdc99f90e.html

He symbolized the scientific community and its godlike powers.

Source: https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/08/09/oppenheimer-paradox-power-of-science-and-the-weakness-of-scientists/

It physically separated families, friends, and communities, and symbolized the between East and West during the Cold War.

Source: https://worldcrunch.com/this-happened/berlin-wall-construction-photograph