It is true that Iraqi artist Khalid Alussy (also referred to as "Kalat" in some news reports) fashioned the pair of bronze statues shown in the preceding photos. It is also true that the sculpture is made of bronze obtained by melting down statues of Saddam Hussein, and that it memorializes members of the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division slain in battle in Iraq,

It is not true, however, that the artist created the work because he is "grateful" to American soldiers. According to a March 9, 2004 article in the Wall Street Journal, Kalat/Khalid, who lost an uncle in a U.S. rocket attack, is "harshly critical" of the United States and its actions in Iraq. He only accepted the project, which was conceived by officers of the 4th Infantry Division, because he was handsomely paid.

"I made the statues of Saddam — even though I didn't want to — because I needed money for my family and to finish my education," he told the Journal. "And I decided to make statues for the Americans for the exact same reasons."

The sculpture was moved from Tikrit, Iraq to its permanent home at Fort Hood, Texas in February 2004.

Sources and further reading:

Elements of Iraq Fill Bronze Tribute to Fallen Soldiers
Wall Street Journal, 9 March 2004

Changing Faces: Statue Honors Fallen Heroes
Army News Service, 6 January 2004

Memorial to Honor Fallen Task Force Ironhorse Troops
Armed Forces Press Service, 20 February 2004

Last updated: 07/06/04