November 2016 - This must see impressive, heart grabbing memorial bronze sculpture with 12 life-size soldiers shown storming a beach during World War II, surrounded by a lush plants honoring all military veterans, is located at the Veterans Memorial Garden in Branson, Missouri.
It was once part of an original sculpture by Fred Hoppe featuring 50 life-size figures modeled after a combat soldier from each of the 50 states. In fact, it was the largest war memorial bronze sculpture with a length over 70 feet and weighing 15-tons. This section is the front part weighing around 3 tons.
The poem, Little Boys Once, by David Bancroft, USA Patriotism! founder/owner, was inspired when seeing the original sculpture.
USA Patriotism! video
Note: The Veterans Memorial Garden is owned by Ben Kinel, a Marine Corps and Korean War veteran, who offered his garden as the new home for the magnificently inspiring WWII statue that had been in storage for several years. Ben also remains actively involved with the garden including daily maintenance. Ben Kinel's service to country truly goes beyond self!
