As the sun sets below the horizon, its final rays illuminate the silhouette of a somber, uniformed soldier kneeling at the feet of his young daughter. She hands him his helmet, bidding farewell in what could be their last embrace.
This poignant scene resonates with the thousands of American families who have watched their loved ones depart for war, uncertain of their return. On September 13 in Washington, a similar moment will be captured as the National World War I Memorial is unveiled, nearly ten years after its inception.
The monument will be revealed at 7:19 p.m. during a candlelight vigil as the sun dips below the horizon. The relief sculpture, known as “A Soldier’s Journey,” narrates the story of an American soldier leaving his family to join his comrades in the European frontlines of the “war to end all wars.”
Fearless, the soldier charges into battle, only to confront the harsh realities of war. Transformed by his experiences, he returns home to his daughter, passing on his helmet once more, a symbol of the looming threat of another world war.
Renowned sculptor Sabin Howard, the creative mind behind this project, aims to unite people through art at a time when public monuments have become divisive. “I wanted to create art that transcends barriers of socioeconomic status, education, and beliefs,” he shared with The Epoch Times. “It harkens back to the Renaissance art, speaking to our potential and serving as a unifying force.”
(Top) “A Soldier’s Journey” by Sabin Howard. (Bottom Left) A part of the small maquette for “A Soldier’s Journey” where a uniformed soldier kneels at the feet of his young daughter before leaving for the war. (Bottom Right) A part of the small maquette for “A Soldier’s Journey” where the soldier returns home to his daughter and hands her his helmet. (Illustration by The Epoch Times, Courtesy of Traci Slatton Howard, Courtesy of Sabin Howard)
A Big Leap
From the outset, Mr. Howard brought a distinct perspective shaped by his bicultural upbringing. Growing up as both an American and an Italian, he divided his time between the bustling streets of New York and the cultural landmarks of Turin, Italy.
Despite this rich background, Mr. Howard initially lacked artistic skills. “I couldn’t draw at all,” he admitted. Yet, at 19, he embarked on an artistic journey that led him to create monumental works like the National World War I Memorial.
However, he sees the modern style not as art, but rather as a “giant scam.” According to him, the lack of great artists in the country is due to a politicization of the public education system. This shift has led to a decline in public interest in art and a focus on divisive political issues. With his piece, Mr. Howard aims to bring unity to the nation by honoring the American soldiers who fought regardless of their political affiliations. In his sculpture, Sabin Howard depicts the progression of a soldier’s story from left to right, with the soldier’s face changing to reflect the diverse real-life veterans he was inspired by. These veterans, of various races, represent the rich fabric of American society, which Howard believes is at risk of being torn apart by attacks on its history and traditions.
Howard emphasizes the importance of tradition, quoting Gustav Mahler to illustrate that preserving valuable aspects of culture is essential for the prosperity of civilization. He highlights the need to serve a greater purpose than oneself, as shown in the soldier passing on his helmet—symbolizing the American spirit—to the next generation.
Rather than destroying art and history, Howard encourages building and creating, as a way to elevate consciousness and contribute positively to society. His hope is that all Americans, regardless of differences, will find value in his work and recognize the importance of preserving the fire of the American spirit.
The accompanying image shows Howard working in his studio in New York City, illustrating his dedication to his craft and the message behind his sculptures. Please rephrase this sentence. Can you please rewrite this sentence for me?
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