WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. -- A Central Florida woman painted and placed 4,113 Popsicle stick crosses in her front yard to pay tribute this Independence Day weekend to American men and woman who lost their lives fighting in Iraq.

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IMAGES: Cross Display At Fla. Home

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"To know that this little cross represents a life, it's tough," homeowner Ana Maria Iregui said. "But, I just wanted to do that."

Iregui said she was inspired to put the rows of sticks outside of her Winter Springs home by her grandfather and the white crosses at Arlington National Cemetery.

She said she wanted to make sure no one forgot the sacrifice made to protect everyone's freedom this Independence Day.

"Number one, it makes me very proud," Iregui said. "Number two, very sad and thankful -- extremely thankful."

At least 4,113 members of the U.S. military have died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to Associated Press count.

Iregui worked with thousands of donated Popsicle sticks and family and friends to make the 4,113-cross display.

The group cut, glued and snapped the crosses in place Friday.

"To me, it is the most incredible feeling of freedom," Irequi said.

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