The Epinal War Memorial in Vosages

In honor of those who served this Memorial Day Weekend, take a moment to look at the different sculptures in bas relief on the Epinal War Memorial in Vosages, France. Malvina Hoffman was commissioned for the sculpture by the Fine Arts Commission in Washington DC (1948) to work with the famed architectural firm of Delano & Aldrich. To find inspiration she went to the Bible and read in Exodus: "I bare you on eagles' wings and brought you unto myself," And as she tried to find the right words to lift the hearts of the grieving she remembered the last words of Mr. Valiant in Pilgrims' Progress...:" My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it.My marks and scars I carry with me.... So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side."