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“A Soldier’s Return” Sculpture
Artist: Libby Carruth
Artist’s Description:
Standing solemnly before the American flag, a young soldier is captured in bronze, framed by a wall of granite. From most angles, he remains obscured, a symbol of anonymity and the unseen struggles of veterans returning from war. Approaching the sculpture face-to-face invites a moment of deep reflection and empathy.
The soldier’s expression conveys angst and determination, revealing the “invisible wounds” of war—psychological scars like anxiety, alienation, and PTSD. These challenges underscore the profound difficulties veterans face upon returning to civilian life. In an era when mental health was often overlooked, these issues compounded the sense of abandonment felt by many soldiers, left to resume their lives as if unchanged by their experiences.
This sculpture serves as a catalyst for introspection and empathy, urging viewers to engage directly with the soldier’s story. It aims to illuminate the complexities of veteran experiences beyond visible battle scars, standing as a testament to the enduring impact of military service and advocating for recognition and support for those who have sacrificed for their country.