In a dedication ceremony that was held on Saturday, December 2, a new bronze memorial statue entitled “The Price of Liberty” was unveiled on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol complex. At the height of 21 feet, the memorial portrays a version of Lady Liberty taking a husband and father off to war while his tearful wife holds on. The couple’s daughter also holds a U.S. flag which is folded into a triangle, symbolizing the loss of American loved ones who have passed in warfare.
According to NBC DFW, it has been reported that the monument is meant to honor Texas service members who have risked their lives since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as their family members. It was unveiled at East 12th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard amidst a feeling that it was never too soon to honor those that had served since that horrible event in New York City. In a statement to the news last week, Retired Army Colonel James Stryker (also the chairman of the board for the Texas War Memorial Foundation), explained that when the Vietnam Veterans Monument had been constructed on the grounds of the Capitol in 2014, close to 40 years had passed. Subsequently, he felt that this timing was well within reason for honoring these service men and women. “This generation of warriors really need an opportunity to know, truly, that we as a state appreciate your sacrifice,” he explained.