The Special Warfare Memorial Statue facts for kids
The Special Warfare Memorial Statue is a famous statue. People also call it Bronze Bruce. It was the first memorial in the United States built to honor soldiers from the Vietnam War.
The statue was made in 1968 by a sculptor named Donald De Lue. It was officially shown to the public on November 19, 1969. This important statue is at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It stands in the Memorial Plaza of the United States Army Special Operations Command. The statue represents all the brave soldiers in this command. A soldier from the United States Army Special Forces was chosen as the model. This is because most special operations soldiers who died in Vietnam were "Green Berets."
Quick facts for kids Special Warfare Memorial Statue |
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 Special Warfare Memorial Statue
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| Artist | Donald De Lue |
| Year | 1969 |
| Type | Bronze |
| Dimensions | (12 ft; including pedestal, 22 ft in) |
| Location | Memorial Plaza, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina |
What the Statue Means
The Army Special Operations Command explains what the statue means.
The 12-foot statue stands upon a rare green granite pedestal that brings the total height of the statue to 22 feet tall. It is representative of a Special Forces non-commissioned officer, wearing the rank of a sergeant first class. The soldier is dressed in the jungle fatigues worn in Vietnam by U.S. troops. He carries the M16 rifle, a tool of his profession, in his right hand. His finger is not placed on the trigger of his weapon, but is "at the ready" in preparation for any threat. His stance upon a rocky ledge with one foot crushing the snake is symbolic of tyranny in the world and the threats and dangers that will instantly bring him to action. While possessing power and extraordinary capabilities, he offers a gentle hand of friendship to the unseen oppressed of the world. He is fully able to exercise his training when it is needed, and he is also fully willing to help those in need. He is the perfect warrior from the past, a healer, a teacher and an opponent of evil. He serves all over the world today and willingly faces any mission. His is the standard to which all Army special operations soldiers aspire.
The statue is 12 feet tall. It stands on a special green stone base, making it 22 feet tall in total. The soldier in the statue is a Special Forces non-commissioned officer. This means he is a leader, like a sergeant first class. He wears the jungle uniform that U.S. soldiers wore in Vietnam.
He holds an M16 rifle in his right hand. His finger is not on the trigger, but it is ready for action. This shows he is prepared for any danger. He stands on a rocky ledge, with one foot stepping on a snake. The snake stands for bad things or unfair rule in the world. This shows the soldier is ready to act against threats.
Even though he is strong and skilled, he also offers a kind hand. This shows he is ready to help people who are being treated unfairly. He can use his training when needed. He is also happy to help those who need it. He is seen as a perfect warrior. He is a helper, a teacher, and someone who fights against evil. He works all over the world today and is ready for any mission. He sets an example for all Army special operations soldiers.
Inside the base of the statue, there is a special time capsule. This capsule holds a Special Forces uniform and a green beret. It also has a small statue of John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was a U.S. President who gave the green beret to Special Forces soldiers. His speech about it is also in the capsule.
How the Statue Was Paid For
The statue cost $100,000 when it was put up in 1969. This money came from donations. Many people gave money to help build it.
John Wayne, a famous actor, helped make the 1968 movie The Green Berets. He gave $5,000. Barry Sadler, who wrote the song "The Ballad of the Green Berets," also gave $5,000. They wanted the statue to honor the "Quiet Professionals," which is what Special Forces soldiers are sometimes called.
Robert McNamara, who was the Secretary of Defense at the time, gave $1,000. The rest of the money came from Special Forces soldiers all over the world. They all helped pay for this important statue.
