Memorial to fallen soldiers also designed by renowned sculptor

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TO THE EDITOR:

Allow me to point out that there is another sculpture by renowned artist Timothy Schmalz (whose sculpture ‘Homeless Jesus’ was recently installed at Holy Apostles Church), on display in the Diocese of Providence. In September 2013, the construction of a memorial prayer garden was begun at Bishop Hendricken High School. With the support of then-Hendricken President John Jackson, a committee of former faculty members Bob Fuoroli and Joe Cichon, Alumnus Steve Pagliarini and Gold Star Father Dick August raised over $38,500 for the project. On November 1, 2015, after concelebrating the annual Mass of Remembrance for school alumni, this area on the walkway to the athletic fields was blessed by then-command chaplain of the RI National Guard now Hendricken President Fr. Bob Marciano and Hendricken Chaplain Fr. Chris Murphy. The garden features a memorial stone to the three Hendricken alumni who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country: Richard McKenzie ’63, KIA Vietnam and Matthew August ’93 and Eric Valdepenas ’03 both KIA in Iraq and all the alumni, faculty and staff who have served in our military. The centerpiece is a statue by Timothy Schmalz titled “Lest We Forget” that depicts Christ embracing a fallen soldier.

Richard J. August, North Kingstown