The Flame of Liberty Memorial

The Flame of Liberty Memorial is inspired by three different element: The Statue of Liberty, an Eternal Flame, and a Soldier's Cross. The Memorial blends together these significant symbols that are woven deeply into our American culture and our national identity., . More than any other American symbol, the Statue of Liberty best represents the national ideal of freedom and liberty in our country. She portrays a goddess of liberty who holds a constantly-lit torch with with her upstretched arm for all to see. That torch was the original inspiration for the flame sculpture at this Memorial., . An Eternal Flame has been used throughout history to honor our heroes and keep their memory alive by the sheer presence of a flame that burns continuously throughout night and day. The image of a torch or flame is one of the most universally understood symbols that represents honor and remembrance throughout the history of the world., . The Soldier's Cross began on the battlefields across time. It was used to identify individual soldiers where they fell in defense of liberty. Over time, the countless acts of driving an inverted rifle into the ground and placing the helmet on top, evolved into a ritual to honor and remember each individual who gave their life in service to our country., A sculpture of a Soldier's Cross sits quietly inside the flame and is the emotional center of the Memorial for any person who has had a family member who served or sacrificed their life. The amber glass panels of the flame act like a "veil" between the living and those who served in the past. , Finally, there is the dog tag which hangs down from the Soldier's Cross. It is the most important symbol in the Memorial, because it reminds us that, for each and every dog tag, there was a single individual human being who served and sacrificed for their country., All three of these symbols merge together in this single sculpture that represents love for country and expresses appreciation for all Veterans who sacrificed for the liberty we hold dear in America. , Artisit Statement Frank Kocian Morris 2019.