Local News

‘The Price of Liberty’ Unveiling & Dedication at Texas State Capitol

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

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.

‘The Price of Liberty’ Unveiling & Dedication at Texas State Capitol

Photo: Facebook/Paul Bradford

In a statement to the Austin American-Statesman, Governor Gregg Abbott explained, “While the memorial will serve as a grim and heartbreaking reminder of tragedy and sorrow, my hope is that it will also be met with determination and resolve as we continue to confront the source of this shared global crisis. I am proud that as a state we can unite behind the common cause of combating evil in our world, and hope that this memorial allows for solemn remembrance of the lives lost in the war on terror.”

The Texas War Memorial Foundation plans to make a gift to the state for landscaping the area at the site as well as providing a place to sit. There is also a Living Memorial, which is an online component that is associated with “The Price of Liberty” memorial which is intended to capture the stories of those that have served since 9/11 and keep the memory alive of those that have given the ultimate sacrifice – hence the name of the monument. For more information on the statue and the living memorial component, please visit texaswarmemorial.com.