Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard personnel proudly serve our country with honor and
dignity, and represent our values and principles around the world.These brave men and women commit to rigorous training, endure separation from friends and family, and live with the knowledge that they may have to sacrifice their own life in the course of protecting and defending our country.
The Hardin County Veterans Tribute will be a monument to show Hardin County citizens' respect and gratitude to each and every veteran, living or deceased, who has served his or her country with honor and dignity, commitment, courage, and sacrifice, so that each of us can live safe and free.
The Veterans Tribute will be located in the new Nature Park located on Ring Road, just north of
Freeman Lake Park in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The Tribute design is 70' in diameter and is
dominated by a star polygon walkway. Visitors will be able to stroll along the concrete pathway
to closely view the five life-size bronze sculptures - one for each branch of the military. In
addition, a bronze sculpture of a woman, symbolic of a civil servant, will sit on one of the
granite benches reading a dedication to all civil service workers.The design invites the visitor to leave the paved walkway and explore the interior elements of the tribute. At the heart of the monument is a marble pentagon pedestal that displays a pair of solitary bronze boots to honor our country's POWs & MIAs. The black granite benches that circle the pentagon pedestal beckon visitors to sit, reflect, and view the reverse sides of the etched granite monoliths, which include the official seal and details about each military branch. The U.S. flag stands in the center of the design, with the flags of each military branch displayed on the star’s outer edge.
The land for the Veterans Tribute, and the funds for the parks development, were provided by the City of Elizabethtown. The Tribute will be the center piece of the city's new Nature Park. The design of the first phase of the park, which will include the Tribute, is near completion. Groundbreaking for the Tribute took place on July 30, 2010. The plan completion of the first phase of the park, and the dedication of the Veterans Tribute, is planned for the Summer of 2012.
Rich Griendling, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is the designer and sculptor for the Hardin County Veterans Tribute.For over 35 years Griendling has produced an impressive body of work. His sculptures immortalize human movement and feelings by capturing them in plaster, fiberglass, and bronze.
His commissions include the Veterans Cemetery Memorial adjacent to Fort Knox; the five floating children for the University of Kentucky Children's Hospital; the three sculptures telling the history of rural electric development for Nolin RECC, a rural electric cooperative; John Hardin High School's six soaring students exploring the many elements of education; the eighteen young people clinging to the Coca-Cola van as it glides down the highway; and the glory of sports legends, such as track and field's Olympic champion Jesse Owen, baseball's Hank Aaron, quarterback Bart Starr, boxer Joe Louis, sports announcer Mel Allen, and coach Bear Bryant at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Griendling's sculptures provide an understanding of our past and an appreciation for the natural grace, beauty, and movement that surrounds us. His sculptures put vision to thoughts and feelings, and allow viewers to linger over details that are sometimes lost in the speed of life.
For more information, visit Griendling's website: www.griendlingdesigns.com