Enduring Valor: Heroism in Battle, Legacy in Public Life
Given his extensive experience with public sculpture, George Petrides recently applied to contribute a triptych of sculptures to the National Garden of American Heroes. Recognizing that the National Garden must have an educational component (much as the Hellenic Heads series does), the sculptures are designed to incorporate features that spark conversation among families, student groups, and tourists. Each hero is depicted in action, at a specific moment in time and place, with historically accurate uniforms and equipment.
For each individual, historical research was conducted with an emphasis on primary sources: texts, photographs, lithographs, paintings, and more recent cinematic interpretations (some of which are more accurate than others). This level of detail lends realism and drama, and helps further the educational mission—generating discussion and providing elements so that even the youngest viewer can take something away.
The individual statues are described in detail on the following pages:
These men are united by the fact that they faced overwhelming odds: two escaped near-certain death, while the third gave his life despite having the opportunity to flee. Another significant similarity is that each led a distinguished life beyond combat, marked by public service. Additionally, two of them are not widely known, while the third is recognized more for other aspects of his life than for the moment depicted here. It is therefore not surprising that they are less represented in sculpture than the great heroes such as Washington, Lincoln, and others on the list. However, because of their achievements on multiple levels, these men deserve to be better known, and their inclusion in the National Garden provides that opportunity.
For more on the National Garden of American Heroes, see the Wikipedia page here.