Served with Honor - Longview, TX
Posted by: WalksfarTX
N 32° 29.791 W 094° 44.339
15S E 336623 N 3596805
Statue stands on a pink granite base to the left of the Gregg County Courthouse entrance.
Waymark Code: WM1258N
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/01/2020
Views: 1
Smithsonian Art Inventory"A statue of a modern soldier outfitted in equipment and clothing used in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He wears combat fatigues, calf-high boots, and a belt with pouches. He holds a rifle over his proper right shoulder and a helmet in his proper left hand. His face is downcast with a fatigued and exhausted expression. His helmet is removed to signify completion of his patrol, while his rifle is slung over his shoulder, ready for action.
(Plaque on proper right side of base:) VETERANS COMMUNION/Softly, we who survived, trod home soil so firm/and safe beneath our feet, and slowly lift our eyes to/gaze in heaven above... For we have given our all, our/youthful vitality and man's-strength, to preserve the/freedoms and sanctity of our nation./Yet personal sacrifice pales in the brilliance of/immortality gained by our forefathers, our brothers,/buddies, our sons and daughters who shed noble blood/across the centuries to lie in lonely fields both native/and foreign. And, still, the ranks of the immortal grow,/in raging celestial infernoes (sic), and battle-scarred terrain/and depths of seas around the globe.
Yes, restless feelings disturb out minds and gnaw at/our hearts:/Is it enough that we weathered the perilous on-/slaughts and so painfully, lo, proudly, recall valiant deeds/and the stout hearts that performed them, but beat/no more? No, tasks for our nation require unyielding/devotion./Pray remember, you who listen: We the Veterans of all wars pledge to those who fell beside us, and/those yet to fall, that they shall be made illustrious by/perpetuation of the seldom heard and shyly guarded,/heart-felt reasons for which we fought and forever/strive."