Client: U.S. Air Force Memorial Foundation
Location: Arlington, VA, United States
Completion date: 2004
Project Team
Artist
Zenos Frudakis
Executive Director
Colonel Pete Lindquist
U.S. Air Force Memorial Foundation
Architect
I.M. Pei
Architect
Hannah Olin
Architect
James Ingo Freed
Industry Resource
Laran Bronze Foundry
Overview
At the request of the United States Air Force Memorial, I was asked to create a sculpture of the Honor Guard. This group of four is very significant to the Air Force. It has its own culture, and it appears at funerals to honor those who lost their lives for their country. It was my great privilege to sculpt four 8 foot high bronze figures carrying 8 foot high bronze flags and battle streamers. One figure is Caucasian, one Latino, one African-American, one female.
Goals
The purpose of the Honor Guard at this memorial is to inspire remembrance and respect for those no longer with us, whose lives were either lost in service to their country or those who served in the Air Force and have since passed on. I therefore sought to create a landmark sculpture honoring all who served in the US Air Force and their families as part of this national service memorial. It offers a destination for photo opportunities to take away as additional memories of visits to this historical site. Musical events and ceremonies are held near this sculpture.
Process
"I did a few drawings, then created a small clay model of the Honor Guard. I also met with Honor Guards to better understand their culture, clothing and comportment. My enlarged clay model was reviewed by Honor Guard Specialists until the work was perfect according to their standards. Only then was it cast in bronze." - Zenos Frudakis, Artist
Additional Information
Additional Casts:
Air Force Academy, Colorado;
Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal, VA;
British Imperial War Museum, Duxford, England;
Alliance Airport, Texas;
Perot Collection, Texas (5 foot high model)
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