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VERNAL — Shannon Karren has never worn his country's uniform, but he feels a special connection to those who have.
"My father was in the Navy in World War II and my brother served in the Army during the Vietnam era," the Uintah County businessman said. "Patriotism has always been very strong in our family."
Karren's mother was particularly fond of Memorial Day, a holiday Karren plans to celebrate this year with the unveiling and dedication of a 9-foot-tall statue he has donated to the people of Uintah County.
"I felt like I needed to do something for the community," he said. "I wanted something that was (built) around a soldier's cross because I don't think there's anything more touching or telling, quite honestly, than a soldier kneeling before a fallen brother in the field in prayer."
Already a fan of Ron Brunson's art, including his life-like hand-carved birds, Karren knew the Kanab-based artist was perfect for this project.
"I didn't even look anywhere else," Karren said. "I know the thought and the character that Ron Brunson puts into his work."
Brunson, whose father and brother also served in the military, viewed the project as an opportunity to express his love for America's servicemen and women.
"I'm very honored to be able to do this," he said. "It's a very small contribution compared to what our soldiers give."
After months spent researching the project and sculpting a clay model, the bronze sculpture was cast and finished in early May at Metal Arts Foundry in Lehi. Part of a poem Karren wrote was incorporated into the design, along with a stylized eagle whose cutout wings appear to embrace the entire scene.
There's a lot of soldier's crosses and they're very nice, but I wanted this to be just a little more than that, something unique, something that will stand out.
–Ron Brunson, sculptor
"There's a lot of soldier's crosses and they're very nice," Brunson said. "But I wanted this to be just a little more than that, something unique, something that will stand out."
Brunson calls his newest piece "Windows."
"You walk around and every view is just a little bit different," he said. "You actually feel like you can go right inside the piece and look at the emotion going on without disturbing what's happening."
Smaller versions of the sculpture are available for sale. A portion of the proceeds go to the Sgt. Daniel Gurr Foundation, which serves military members and veterans. Gurr, a 21-year-old Marine sergeant from Vernal, was killed in Afghanistan in August 2011.
"I hope people will see this memorial and come away with a greater appreciation for what has happened in the military and what they do for us," Karren said.
"Windows" will be unveiled and dedicated Saturday on the lawn of the Uintah County building, 147 E. Main. The 11 a.m. ceremony, which will include speeches from veterans and Rep. Rob Bishop, will be followed by a community barbecue.
