CALHOUN: National Memorial of Military Ascent’s Radio Man sculpture unveiled
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The Radio Man sculpture for Grafton’s National Memorial of Military Ascent was unveiled Monday, May 12. The memorial is on track to be finished by next summer with a special dedication in June 2026. (Steven Spencer/Calhoun News-Herald)
By Steven Spencer
Veterans and residents of the area got their first look at what’s to come in Grafton with the unveiling of the first of 12 life-size sculptures that will be on display at the National Memorial of Military Ascent.
The plans for the memorial were formally announced in the fall of 2023 and by the summer of 2024 the Carolina Bronze Foundry was in Grafton scanning live models from the 2nd Ranger Battalion of St. Louis for the bronze statues that will line the bluffs to depict the WWII U.S. Army Rangers climbing Pointe Du Hoc on Omaha Beach.
The first sculpture unveiled on Monday, May 12, was the Radio Man which represents the vital Native American contribution as Code Talkers to the military.
David Schock with Penultimate, LTD who is filming a documentary about the memorial, spoke at the unveiling describing the events of Pointe Du Hoc and what the National Memorial of Military Ascent will represent.
Schock said the memorial will represent the true heroism displayed by the veterans at Pointe Du Hoc as well as all veterans who devote themselves to service.
“Veterans know the costs of such heroism. You have lived it. For that, we thank you,” Shock said. “But make no mistake, this National Memorial of Military Ascent is not limited to D-Day or World War II, nor just wartime veterans. These sculptures will be an illustration of devotion to duty by all members the Marines, the Coast Guard and Space Force, their families, and the many industries and civilians who have supported them and our country over the last four centuries.”
Mayor of Grafton and retired Col. Mike Morrow said it was heartwarming to see so many people in attendance for the unveiling and recognized Vietnam veteran Sergeant Richard Flowers and Chief Eric Spanton.
The two memorial commissioners passed away last year after dedicating so much of themselves towards the memorial.
“Both of these commissioners gave their lives, their support to this memorial and we’re ever grateful for them,” Mayor Morrow said.
Excitement and support from the community has been tremendous with countless donors, businesses, and organizations helping in a variety of ways.
Mayor Morrow said they’re continuing to receive great support from the community and are still working to raise funds for the completion of the project.
There will be a National Memorial of Military Ascent fundraiser on Friday, June 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Grafton American Legion. The event will feature dinner from the Brass Door, live music from Mark and the Angry Heart as well as Jake Weber and the Lonesome Drifters.
More information on the National Memorial of Military Ascent, donating, and the June fundraiser can be found online at www.graftonmemorial.org.
National Memorial of Military Ascent merchandise such as shirts and hats can also be purchased at seedtosewn.com or at the Grafton Art Gallery. A portion of each sale goes directly towards the memorial.
