By John King Tarpinian: Today was the dedication of the statue created by Christopher Slatoff, known by us as the man who created the Father Electrico bronze inspired by Ray Bradbury.
Here is a close-up of some details of the statute: Razor blade, bullet, matches, and Legos. Baseball not pictured.
This morning was also the annual fly-over of the San Gabriel Valley by WW2 aircraft. This photo was taken looking towards the Pasadena Elks Lodge, with the Rose Bowl being to the left.
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A little background on the sculpture and those it honors. “Enduring Heroes” includes the names of 11 servicemembers from Pasadena and other nearby towns that paid the ultimate price.
Regards,
Dann
Army First Lieutenant Todd J. Bryant, 23 – Khaldiya, Iraq, October 31, 2003
Marine Second Lieutenant JP Blecksmith, 24 – Fallujah, Iraq, November 11, 2004
Marine Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley, 21 – Ramadi, Iraq, June 15, 2005
Marine Lance Cpl. Sergio H. Escobar, 18 – Ramadi, Iraq, October 9, 2005
Army Reserve Specialist Carla Jane Stewart, 37 – Tallil, Iraq, January 28, 2007
Army Specialist Adam J. Rosema, 27 – Baquba, Iraq, March 14, 2007
Army Private First Class Cory F. Hiltz, 20 – Baghdad, Iraq, June 28, 2007
Marine Lance Cpl. Rogelio A. Ramirez, 21 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq, August 26, 2007
Army Specialist William J. Gilbert, 24 – Sanjaray, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013
Army Green Beret SSG Scott R. Studenmund, 24 – Gaza Village, Afghanistan, June 9, 2014
Army Sergeant Joseph F. Stifter, 30 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq, January 28, 2016
That’s a beautiful piece of art and a lovely tribute to the men and women honoured.
What a moving, emotional and honorable, thought-filled celebration was given all of us in Pasadena on Memorial Day 2017. From the US Military flyovers [six planes flying over FOUR times, each flyover in different formation !!!], to the deeply meaningful speeches, to the introductions of the Gold Star families, to the hymns, with the Color Guard gallantly commencing and concluding the program, all was solemn, respectful, beautiful ! And then to have us all walk together to place our individual USA flags at the base of Christopher Slatoff’s “Enduring Heroes” sculpture in Defenders Park was a magnificent finale to this days’ salute to the eleven Pasadena soldiers recently having given their lives in combat. And the best part of this “finale” was that it did NOT end — it is ENDURING — and will remind us forever of our heroes’ dedication to serve and protect our treasures — our home, our families, and our country.
Thank you, Shelly Lowe and Rhonda Kozacik and all the leaders you brought to us representing the City of Pasadena, the City of Los Angeles and the US military, naval and air forces that day — a day not to glorify war but to honor those who have given their lives to defend us !!!!!!!