I remember all the emotions and feelings I had as I looked at that picture in the paper. I wanted my sculpture to represent all of those.

The focal point is the boots, rifle, and helmet of the soldier. The Marine, from Korea, reflects the sorrow a soldier has for a fallen comrade. He holds in his hands a folded flag. I don't know if he is getting ready to present it to the soldier, or if he has taken it from the soldier to deliver to his survivors and loved ones back home.

The Coast Guard Figure, from Vietnam, is at parade rest, preparing to offer a prayer for the soldier, his family, and his comrades.

The Air Force pilot, from the Persian Gulf, offers consolation and support for a grieving comrade.

The Navy figure, from World War II, displays anger. I thought of the rage that our nation felt when Pearl Harbor was attacked, and how a sailor who has rushed to the decks must have felt.

The bugler is an Army doughboy from World War I. He reminds us that despite our emotions and personal feelings at times like this, we must still do our duty. He blows taps.

My hope is that each figure represents the spirit of veterans-past, who come to assure us that those who fall in the line of duty are never forgotten.

It is also my hope that parents will bring their children to these statues, to touch, to learn the branches of the service, and conflicts they represent.

We must teach our children about the horrors of war, and the sacrifices our veterans have made for us. We owe it to all who have worn the uniform of the United States Military.

Thomas King, Sculptor

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