CAMBRIDGE (SNR) — Inspired by a verse from Isaiah 25:8, Sondra Jonson of St. John Parish in Cambridge designed a bronze veterans memorial illustrating the Christian's faith in eternal life.
The memorial was dedicated Nov. 7 at the Veterans Memorial Park in Sioux Falls, SD. The 10-ft. tall, 1499-pound sculpture represents a fallen soldier being lifted in triumph to Heaven; waving in billowing clouds below is the American flag. Across the field of stars, Jonson referenced 9/11, and inscribed the words, In God We Trust, "because," she said, "it is God who is the center of the story--the beginning and the end of what brings us here today."
A crowd of more than 600 veterans, active members of the military, and private citizens were in attendance at the ceremony. Army Chaplain Major General Norris L Einertson was the keynote speaker, and Most Reverend Paul J. Swain, Bishop of Sioux Falls, blessed the sculpture.
The dedication service included a military flyover, Presentation of the Colors, an escort by the Patriot Guard, comments by Sen. John Thune, a full band playing the National Anthem, a solo bagpipes, and Taps.
The family of SSG Robb Rolfing, killed in Iraq June 30, 2007, rallied community support to commission Jonson's sculpture.
