Toppled Saddam statues reborn as memorial for U.S. soldiers

Killeen Daily Herald ^ | Dec. 23, 2003 | Spc. Benjamin R. Kibbey

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Toppled Saddam statues reborn as memorial for U.S. soldiers

By Spc. Benjamin R. Kibbey
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs

TIKRIT, Iraq — When he was forced to fashion statues of Saddam Hussein on horseback, the Iraqi sculptor had no idea that someday he would melt them down to create a memorial for U.S. soldiers.

The two statues, which adorned a gate at the palace complex that houses Fort Hood's 4th Infantry Division headquarters group, were removed with explosives in early July, said 1st Sgt. Mark Anderson with Headquarters and Headquarters Company. The Roseland, La., native has monitored the memorial project's progress since the end of July.

The toppled statues were cut into pieces by members of the 558th Engineer Group and taken quietly to the artist, Kalat. He reshaped the chunks of bronze into a likeness of an American soldier being comforted by a small girl as he mourns a fallen comrade.

In July, 1st Sgt. Glen Simpson, the former headquarters' company first sergeant, knelt for the picture that has been turned into a bronze, said Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Fuss, the division's command sergeant major.

The artist, who fears retaliation from former regime loyalists for his work with the coalition, spent several months sculpting and casting the statue.

The sculpture is based on a scene many in Iraq have witnessed in one form or another. A soldier kneels before a memorial of boots, rifle and helmet, his forehead resting in the hollow of his hand. Behind and to his right stands a small Iraqi girl with her hand reaching out to touch his shoulder.

The little girl portrays, in her eyes and presence, a sympathy mixed with gratitude. She was added to remind people of why the sacrifice was made, Fuss said.

"It's about freedom for this country, but it's also about the children who will grow up in a free society," he said.

Sitting in Saddam's former palace in his hometown, the statue will soon be shuttled to Fort Hood, where it will become part of a larger memorial project at the 4th Infantry Division Museum. There, plaques will be hung in memory of those Task Force Ironhorse soldiers who have given their lives in Iraq.

The memorial planned for the Fort Hood museum is projected to cost between $30,000 and $40,000, and is scheduled to be completed in July. It is being paid for partly through donations from soldiers of Task Force Ironhorse and private contributors.

The cost of the new statue, which is about $18,000, was paid for through small donations from the soldiers of the 4th Infantry, Anderson said.

Fuss and Anderson credited the soldiers' generosity and Simpson's vision for the memorial.

"I think this is the best way we can honor their families and their memories," Fuss said.

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[jcb8199]

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What an amazing work of art. This is a statue that I would love to see somewhere on the Mall in Washington.

Kalat is a very talented sculptor, and I hope he gets the recognition he deserves.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks for posting that wonderful picture!

[Happy2BMe]

You are very welcom.

But the real thanks of course goes to our men and women in uniform laying it all on the line 24/7.