posted on December 04, 2017 15:24
On December 2, 2017, HOLT CAT employees and veterans Yori Escalante, Michael McMahon, Joel Cunningham and Brian Loper attended the unveiling ceremony of the "Price of Liberty" memorial on the grounds of the State Capital. On the eve before the dedication ceremony, they were joined by State Representative Scott Cosper of the 54th District, which includes Killeen and Fort Hood, and his wife Christy at a military tribute gala saluting all Texas veterans who are serving and who have served and their families.
The monument honors service members and their families from all military branches who served in the Global War on Terror and Overseas Contingency Operations after September 11, 2001. The goal of “The Price of Liberty” dedication is to thank, honor and recognize the fallen and all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
From left to right: Yori Escalante, Rep Scott Cosper, Michael McMahon, Joel Cunningham, Brian Loper
Yori Escalante said, "I think I speak for all four of us that it was a great event which honored the service and sacrifice of service members from Texas and their families during the post-9/11 global war on terror. We were honored to represent HOLT, and greatly appreciate both the opportunity to do so and to work for an organization that takes value in serving our country."
From left to right: Yori Escalante, Michael McMahon
On June 10, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation allowing the State Preservation Board to permit construction of “The Price of Liberty” Memorial at the Texas State Capitol complex.
The statue, by artist and sculptor Sandra Van Zandt, portrays a service member and family parting ways for an overseas deployment in the Global War on Terror. There is a foreshadowing of a poignant outcome, as the service member may pay the ultimate sacrifice. The spouse’s reluctance to let go of her husband’s hand reflects the known potential price to be paid. The daughter is holding the triangular funeral flag she will receive in the future. Lady Liberty is extracting the “Price of Liberty.”
The “Liberty” figure depicted on the monument was modeled after “The Goddess of Liberty” atop the Texas Capitol, reflecting Texas history, patriotism and pride. The granite base includes the service branch seals and inscription, “This Memorial is dedicated to Texas Military Members and their Families, who answered their Country’s call after September 11, 2001. They know all too well the Price of Liberty.”
This monument provides a visual representation of the sacrifice of 225,000 Texas veterans and their families, and will be a place for them to heal and reflect on their service, serving as a powerful reminder to all visitors that there is a high price for liberty.