Figure of a World War I soldier advancing through the stumps and barbed wire of No Man's Land. He stands, in a running type stance. His proper right hand raised with grenade in throwing motion. His proper left arm is down at his side and holds a rifle. The figure is dressed in uniform. He wears a World War I helmet with chin strap, gas mask pouch on chest, ammo belt around waist, pack with shovel on his back, a jacket which comes to the waist, loose trousers, and leggings around the shins and lower leg, with lace up boots.
The sculpture was originally located at the intersection of Lee Street and Lamar Street. It was moved to present location sometime during World War II, in the 1940s. IAS files contain unmounted photocopied image of sculpture installed at original site. Schneider Marble helped erect the monument and may have fabricated the base.
IAS files contain related articles from the Americus Times-Recorder, Nov. 11, 1921, pg. 1-2; April 28, 1921, pg. 1; July 20, 1921; Aug. 26, 1921; Oct. 4, 1921; Jan. 4, 1922; May 2, 1928; and Jan. 12, 1935. The articles discuss design plans and dedication of sculpture; and detail Viquesney's contributions to community. Copies of articles are on file with the Lake Blakshear Regional Library (Americus, GA).
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This statue has a copyright plate on it that reads:
COPYRIGHTED
E.M. VIQUESNEY SCULPTOR
AMERICUS, GA
The statue itself has been refurbished several times and is in fair condition. The surrounding park is a fitting place for this monument with a gazebo and fountains and a confederate monument along with several other monuments and plaques. In 2007 a large tornado struck the park where this statue is located but the statue came through it unscathed. Large trees nearby were snapped in two.
The plaque mounted under the statue reads:
SUMTER COUNTY
AFFECTIONATELY REMEMBERS
HER SONS WHO DIED, AND THOSE
WHO OFFERED THEMSELVES, AS
WILLING SACRIFICES IN THE
CAUSE OF OUR COUNTRY.
1917 WORLD WAR 1918