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Carole Mikita ReportingA new statue of General George Washington was unveiled yesterday at the site of one of his greatest challenges in the War of Independence.
Artist Stan Watts wanted to create this particular image of Washington because he feels this period of time in the life of 'the Father of our country' can best be described as full of both courage and faith.
In 1777, when his troops were exhausted and wanted to go home, historians say, General George Washington rode off in frustration. What he did privately, no one knows, but some, including sculptors Stan Watts and Kim Corpani, say he sought help from a higher power.
Their work is where they hoped it would be this July 4th.
Kim Corpani, Utah sculptor: "George Washington, sitting on his horse at Valley Forge, I don't think it gets much better than that."
For months, they worked with a team. Kim designed the horse. Stan created Washington. And when it was time for the sculpture to leave Utah, they saluted 'the Father of our country' with a flag and moved him out on a forklift.
Stan Watts, Utah sculptor: "Art is a medium that transcends time, and long after I'm dead, I can say, ‘George Washington is a great man and at his time of need, at Valley Forge, he looked up.'"
Whatever Washington did that cold December at Valley Forge, he returned and rallied his soldiers. They went on to win the Battle of Trenton.
"The name of the piece is 'On a Firm Foundation'. George Washington's on a firm foundation. Our country's on a firm foundation."
What's not so firm is payment for their work. The artists donated it to the Freedoms Foundation so they hope to recoup their costs by selling a size replica to corporations and this to individuals. Also around the base of the statue, people will be able to buy 'donor pavers' or name plaques to be part of it.
"Somehow, at the right moment, these things work out and I'll get paid."
Valley Forge also has a statue of General Washington kneeling in prayer. Stan Watts says he feels confident about his sculpture there because he believes seeking a higher power was something our first president did more than once.
