Tribute sculpture unveiled in ceremony here

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The bronze sculpture, titled "Angel and the Dying Unknown," was unveiled in a ceremony on the Campus for Families of the Fallen at Dover Air Force Base, Del., July 22.

"The bronze soldier depicts a loving guardian angel holding and protecting a wounded universal soldier," said Greg Wyatt, the sculptor. "This is the sculpture's central meaning expressed in the language of art and sculpture.

"This is my passion, this is my emotion, this is what I have formed in bronze and I wish to unveil this," said Wyatt during the ceremony.

Wyatt has worked with themes of war and peace for more than 15 years and has sculptures on display at Arlington National Cemetery.

His source of inspiration for the piece dedicated here was the many veterans of war who have deep spoken remembrances about the close relationship on the battlefield, he explained.

"They have all prayed with their guardian angels and have willingly shared this with me," he said.

His hope is that the angel atop a pedestal, holding the soldier will provide some form of solace for the families who travel here to Dover to witness a dignified transfer and are able to feel the sculpture and think about its core meaning - a tribute to those who serve.

The piece, valued at $40,000 was donated by the Newington-Cropsey Foundation, an organization that focuses on preserving and displaying art.

Col. John M. Devillier, Air Force Mortuary Affairs commander, thanked Wyatt on behalf of Team Dover and the foundation for gifting the piece for the families of the fallen.

"It will have an impact," Devillier said to Wyatt of his lasting contribution.

The families rarely know us by name and may not know who Wyatt is, but will remember how they felt when they were here.

"Less than 1 percent of our nation put on a uniform," said Devillier. "Many of these young women have served multiple commitments in America's longest war."

Wyatt's sculpture is a tribute to those men and women.

"For members of Dover Air Force Base and for all time, a work in bronze to honor all of America's brave veterans who provide so much and honor us every day in our country."