Fort Bend County’s newest 9/11 memorial is being temporarily displayed at Sugar Land City Hall after it raised almost $76,000 for severely wounded and disabled War on Terror veterans and their families.
Entitled “The Day America Cried,” the statue, featuring the head of an American Eagle, was created by a Fort Bend-area sculptor immediately following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The sculpture pays homage to the lives lost, but it also recognizes Americans who joined together to offer prayers for the victims and send a message that the country would stand together in the face of adversity.
The statue was intended to be auctioned to the highest bidder at the annual Impact a Hero fundraiser event in Sugar Land. Impact A Hero was created to provide a mechanism for individuals and corporations to help provide emotional and financial support for our severely wounded or disabled War on Terror veterans and their families.
A number of community leaders, including County Judge Bob Hebert and Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson led a spontaneous effort during the fundraiser to raise $51,000 more than the statue’s anticipated auction price. It was then donated to Fort Bend County for display as a public memorial.
During last night’s city council meeting, Hebert announced that the statue would be temporarily on display at Sugar Land City Hall. It will be permanently displayed at the Fort Bend County Justice Center when that facility is completed.
The sculpture shows the eagle with tears running down one of its eyes. Each year on Sept. 11 or when county flags fly at half staff, the statue will be turned to highlight the eagle’s tears.
Local leaders are referring to the statue as “The People’s Eagle.” It is now on display in the lobby of city hall.
