Art of Bronze was deeply honored to create the “Unsung Heroes” bronze statue monument for the Mississippi Valley Veterans Memorial in Burlington, IA, paying tribute to the invaluable sacrifices of all U.S. military working dogs. This powerful monument features two life-size bronze dogs—one a sitting Labrador Retriever, the other a standing German Shepherd—both symbolizing the unwavering loyalty and dedication of these incredible animals to our armed forces.
In addition to this tribute, Art of Bronze also crafted the “Fallen Soldier Battle Cross” to honor the brave men and women from the Mississippi Valley who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Great care was taken to ensure every detail of these heroic dogs was captured with realism and respect. The Labrador Retriever, representing a retired service dog, proudly wears the United States Military Working Dog Service Award medal around his neck. His posture reflects dignity and pride for his service. In contrast, the German Shepherd stands alert, symbolizing an active duty K9. Equipped with a Kevlar vest adorned with a special U.S. flag patch, he is ever-vigilant, ready to protect and serve, embodying the alertness and strength these dogs bring to the battlefield.
Military working dogs, or “war dogs,” have served alongside American troops in every conflict since the nation’s beginning, gaining official recognition during World War II. Even today, these dogs play a critical role in preserving freedom, with their superior senses and unwavering loyalty making them indispensable in navigating dangerous and unpredictable war zones. Their contributions deserve to be recognized, their names spoken with reverence, and their service remembered for generations to come.
Art of Bronze is proud to have created these monuments entirely in America, from the sculpting and molding to the casting and patina work. This dedication ensures the highest quality and authenticity, honoring the service of these unsung heroes. Beware of imitators and cheap imports—our commitment to excellence reflects the sacrifice and honor of those we commemorate.
Labrador- 23″ W. X 12.5″ D. X 29″ H. 77 lbs.
German Shepherd- 44″ W. X 12″ D. X 33.75″ H. 92 lbs.
NO MATTER THE SIZE OF YOUR SCULPTURE- you can be assured we will help guide you through the installation to permanently secure your statue. Every sculpture whether private or public will have different requirements. Safety and security are both important issues when owning a bronze sculpture. Art of Bronze can professionally weld stainless steel mounting brackets to the bottom of your sculpture to allow permanent installation.