Yes, the world's only AOE replica of Optimus Prime will feature a memorial tribute for Peter Cullen

And now YOU have an opportunity to be part of it.

Optimus Prime and his driver, Joe Fiduccia, have been leading a cause that Primus himself would be proud of. Traveling across parts of North America for over 10 years, they have brought attention to hundreds of events in various communities while empowering students with their message of anti-bullying.

But with the passing of legendary voice actor Peter Cullen, The Transformers community is forever changed while mourning a terrible loss.

"I was in the middle of delivering two anti-bully presentations at a school in Indiana when I learned about his passing," says Fiduccia. "I was just as shocked as the rest of the world, and honestly didn't quite know how to process what had happened in the moment."

He goes on to say: "I knew immediately that I wanted to incorporate something on our replica truck in Peter's honor. He deserves that remembrance ... and as the owner of what is now a rolling tribute to a beloved character, I have an obligation to fulfill that for him."

Fiduccia already has plans in motion to install a memorial for Peter on his replica, which includes something special that your loved ones who have passed can now be part of.

Not only is this a tribute to Peter, but it will also be a memorial for anyone grieving the loss of someone who had a special connection with Optimus Prime.

Fiduccia often quotes the phrase "leave behind a legacy worthy of a Prime." He believes everyone has a story, no matter how big or small. And that every story should be able to withstand the test of time.

There is a famous quote spoken by Optimus Prime at the end of Transformers: Age Of Extinction, which reads: "whenever you look to the stars, think of one of them as my soul." Not only will that quote be incorporated into this tribute for Peter, but several bright stars and initials will be intentionally added, creating a way to visually preserve the stories ('souls') of others.

This visual "galaxy" is where the Transformers fan community has a chance to recognize a loved one that has also been lost to the stars. Honoring them in a very unique way, alongside a hero that undoubtedly played an inspiring role in their lifetime.

What will this memorial look like?

So what exactly does Joe have in mind for this memorial graphic?

That part he's keeping secret. But only temporarily.

Over the past month, FIduccia has been working with a designer in Canada to create a subtle, visible, and impactful tribute that will soon be installed on Prime's sleeper cab (area shown in the yellow highlight above). While it will remain secret for now, he plans to unveil it for the entire Transformers community once it is installed.

"This memorial will be placed on both sides of the cab," he says. "A total of 50 stars (25 on each side) will also appear in the tribute. These stars give people an opportunity to permanently recognize a loved one alongside Peter, memorializing them forever on a tribute that will be seen by millions around the globe."

A sample of the proposed star tributes can be seen below:

How can I reserve my own star on this memorial?

Fiduccia has set up a memorial donation page where people can reserve 1 of the 50 available stars. Fans will be able to add the initials and year of birth / year of death for a loved one via this page.

Contributors can also provide a little more backstory about that person's life, if desired, including a photo. That information will be added to this blog article (see graphic below), providing more context behind the initials seen on the tribute, and further memorializing their loved ones.

Fiduccia also assures us that any and all star donations are strictly being used to cover the costs of this memorial.

"I want to make it abundantly clear that any donations collected from this tribute project are going straight to the costs involved in producing this tribute graphic. This includes professional design services, materials and printing for both sides of Optimus, installation on the truck, and time invested to properly collect all submissions," he says.

"I feel a calling to do this for Peter, and believe the Transformers community is hoping (or even expecting) me to do something in his memory. I am more than willing to honor his legacy, especially given the uniqueness and visibility of our replica truck. But the reality is there are costs involved in doing so. Unfortunately I am not in a position to complete this project without help. I am hoping the fan community will support it, while also gaining access to a truly unique remembrance option for a loved one."

To reserve a star, or contribute to this project...

If you are interested in memorializing someone as a part of this project, please use the RESERVE A TRIBUTE STAR button below to begin. You will be taken to a donation page where we will collect the basic information of your deceased loved one. Once submitted, you will be given the option to upload a photo to be included in the final memorial image below.

If you do not wish to reserve a star but would still like to anonymously donate to this memorial, we've included that option below as well.

In closing, Fiduccia wants the world to know: "I don't take what we have lightly. Our replica has never been 'just a truck' to me. It is a symbol of hope, leadership, and all things that Optimus stood for."

"With Peter's passing, it is now my responsibility to continue doing everything in my power to represent this character (and Peter's legacy) in the way they both deserve. I will always try my best, with or without help, and absolutely appreciate the ongoing support from fans around the globe."

RESERVE A TRIBUTE STAR Donate anonymously with no star

NOTE: donations collected via the above links will be used strictly for the design and implementation of this memorial tribute.

IN REMEMBRANCE...

PLEASE NOTE: The image below is NOT the tribute that will be installed on our replica truck. This is simply a detailed accounting of the people whose stars were reserved. Only their initials and DOB / DOD will appear on the final printed graphic.

During checkout, the contributor is given the option to include more details. But this is not a requirement, as we leave it up to the individual who is making the donation. Therefore it is possible that not all stars may include a detailed backstory below.

Check back often as submissions come in and names are added. We will also reveal the final memorial tribute to Peter (and others) on our Facebook page very soon!