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Tribute to the American Soldier by John W. Queen
Photo CreditGSA\Aaron Bollinger
Tribute to the American Soldier
Photo CreditGSA\Aaron Bollinger

Tribute to the American Soldier

Artist
Year1975
Classification sculpture
Medium aluminum and concrete
Dimensionsconcrete pillar only: 104 x 36 x 36 in. (264.2 x 91.4 x 91.4 cm)
Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location

  • "Tribute to the American Solder" consists of eight six-foot tall aluminum figures in a crown-of-thorns shape that were welded into place near the crest of the tapered nine-foot-tall concrete center-piece.



     "The sculpture...is dedicated to the American soldier." Queen explained of his creation.  By "soldier", he means "to encompass all those who have sacrificed for our country".  "The concrete centerpiece represents strength and solidarity," he said.  "The aluminum figures surrounding the centerpiece are used to represent unity.



    Queen explained why he selected the Biblical verse II Timothy 4:7 to adorn three of the centerpiece's four sides.   "The use of the words from Paul's letter to Timothy was suggested by the inspiring faith and endurance of our POWs (prisoners of war) during the Vietnam conflict.



    The words of the apostle were cast in molds, and the lettering is raised.  "To the American soldier." reads the upper-case lettering that angles outward and downward from its concrete slab mount.  Clockwise, the east-south-and west facing plaques project Paul's words:  "I have fought a good fight", "I have finished my course", "I have kept the faith".