Ft. Monroe sculpture honors fallen vets

FORT MONROE, Va. (WAVY) - The Fort Monroe Authority unveiled a bronze sculpture today dedicated to those who have lost their lives serving in the armed services.

First Lady of Virginia Maureen McDonnell attended the unveiling.

The sculpture displays a bronze guardian angel holding an unknown dying soldier.

The unveiling was performed by Greg Wyatt, director of the Academy of Art, Newington-Cropsey Foundation in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.

"The view of the 'Angel Dying Unknown' bronze overlooking the Chesapeake and symbolizing the sacrifices of soldiers, civilians, and former slaves to this 'Freedom's Fortress,' is inspirational and I am very proud to have it temporarily displayed at Fort Monroe," Wyatt said. "Through education of visitors and officials viewing our sculpture and display in the Casemate Museum, the story of this nation's veteran's sacrifices and Arlington National Cemetery can be viewed and told to young and old alike."

The sculpture's message may at first be unclear to visitors.

"It's not an immediately obvious statue but when you look at it and study it you really get the impression that the artist was trying to create," said, Lt. Colonel Ray Holleran, U.S. Army Ret.

The bronze-casted statue depicts an angel with wings spread, cradling a dying soldier with helmet in hand. Wyatt is also the artist, and many of his sculptures can be found on display throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Wyatt said, "I wanted to bring forth ideas about our country and its force for goodness."

Wyatt, the son of a Navy veteran, wanted his work to serve as a reminder of the tremendous sacrifice our service men and woman have made.

"To never forget that valor, the courage, those elements young people who have a belief system about defending our freedoms took seriously and sacrificed so much for our democracy," Wyatt added.

Unfortunately, the sculpture will not be a permanent fixture at the fort.

Glen Oder, with the Fort Monroe Authority, said, "I think the temporary placement of this sculpture gives us a great opportunity to see how the public reacts to public art in Fort Monroe and whether or not that should be part of the master plan. It's a great opportunity for us."

The sculpture will be on display at the Gazebo in Continental Park through Memorial Day weekend. It will then go to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.