A massive WWI monument titled “A Soldier’s Journey” is set to be unveiled in Washington, D.C. The monument, designed by architect Joseph Weishaar and sculpted by Sabin Howard, will be the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial in Pershing Park. The monument is a sprawling bronze sculpture measuring about 60 feet long and depicts the heroic journey of a soldier from the time he leaves home for war until he returns.
Sabin Howard, the master sculptor behind the project, has been working on the monument for nine years. He took inspiration from the Italian Renaissance and the concept of sacred art at an epic level. Howard began the design iteration by taking 12,000 images of models dressed in battle uniforms, some with photographs of family members in the pockets. He spent 700 hours completing the drawing of the soldier’s journey, which tells the story of a soldier, a father, and an allegory for the United States as the hero’s journey.
The sculpture is described as a “movie in bronze” that can be followed from left to right, showcasing the soldier’s journey back home. Howard utilized traditional sculpting techniques, working with models dressed in uniforms at a studio in New Jersey. The expressions and emotions seen on the faces of the figures were inspired by veterans, Marines, and Navy SEALs who had experienced shell shock. The sculpture is meant to commemorate the 116,000 U.S. soldiers who died in WWI while also telling a universal story that resonates with veterans of other wars as well.
The bronze casting of the entire monument is set to be completed at a foundry in the U.K. by June, with a total estimated value of $12 million. The project has been seen as a personal achievement for Howard, who had been a struggling artist from the South Bronx. Despite facing some corporate boundaries set by D.C., Howard stuck to his vision of creating traditional sacred art to honor the soldiers who fought to protect the freedoms of the United States. The reception for the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with the public embracing the monument as a gift to the American people.
Overall, “A Soldier’s Journey” serves as a tribute to the sacrifices made by American military heroes. The monumental bronze sculpture, designed and sculpted by Joseph Weishaar and Sabin Howard, respectively, will soon be unveiled in Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. The nine-year creative process behind the sculpture has been a labor of love for Howard, who drew inspiration from sacred art forms and traditional sculpting techniques. The monument tells the story of a soldier’s journey through war and back home, with intricate details that pay homage to the sacrifices of U.S. soldiers in WWI and other wars.
The project has been hailed as a significant achievement on multiple levels, not just for Howard but for the American people as a whole. The value of the WWI Memorial, both artistically and financially, highlights the dedication and passion behind its creation. Howard’s rebellious act of sticking to traditionalism and creating art that speaks to the sacredness of humanity has resonated with the public. The monument is a symbol of remembrance and gratitude for the soldiers who bravely fought to defend liberty and protect the freedoms of the United States, making it a powerful and timeless tribute to America’s war heroes.
