Lets Try this again...maybe I can get it right. There is a statue, at Ft. Bragg, NC...many know if it...many have lived its meaning and symbology...many have been humbled in its shadow...but Frank Calderon shared the below...and it is truly worth SHARING... Frank Calderon Mark: I have been by the statue many times and know of its symbolism, rather than give my version, I have pasted the official answer which I think is worth sharing for those that dont know. I have had the pleasure of working with the Special Operations community and have witnessed first hand their humanity, love of life and the example we must set and just how simple it is to be nice people. I liked and and shared your picture because it also helps me to keep the faith that one person at a time, we can all be better human beings but we have to start with what we do daily and again, that is to make the little extra effort to be nice to the less fortunate. Thank you for following up with me on this as I think sharing the significance of Bronze Bruce will help those that are unaware understand that the big picture really is about Liberating the Oppressed. Thank you and God bless you R Mark Lumpkin Official symbolism: According to the United States Army Special Operations Command website: 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.[2] Inside the base of the statue is a time capsule containing a SF uniform, a green beret, a bust of John F. Kennedy, and Kennedy’s speech presenting the green beret to Special Forces Soldiers.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 15:48:33 +0000