Le Monument aux Morts

@MadScientist: I thought so too. It was shocking and left a sick feeling in my stomach. It is that powerful in person!

@Judy: Thanks so much, Judy! Yes, you did miss that part, but it is okay, as I will repost it here for everyone to see. Thanks for stopping by!

Although this is not the original statue, it is a direct recasting, preserving the original damage caused by war. It was a gift from Guy Wildenstein and his family to the city of Bedford, VA and the nation. He donated it with his eternal gratitude to the USA for helping to restore France's freedom, for granting asylum to our parents, and for halting the extermination of a people. It was given in memory of the American soldiers who gave their lives in the beaches of Normandy in June 1944.

@Vincent Lam: Thanks Vincent! Yes, the light and sky were cooperating that day!

@Laurie: The patina was absolutely incredible! And yes, the sky was quite dramatic that day! Thanks for the comment!

@Chris Osborne: I wish the reason it looked like that was from age, but unfortunately, it is do to man. Thanks for the comment!

@Chris: I appreciate you stopping in! Yes, seeing this statue was quite stomach churning when you realize the damage that same shrapnel piece could do to a human.

@Charles: Thanks so much, Charles! I was lucky with the light and the sky that day ;0)