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KEARNS -- A French soldier who fought in World War II, and now calls Utah home, is the subject of a new monument in honor of soldiers. It's being created by a Utah sculptor, who is working to bring a critical moment in the conflict to life.
Inside his foundry, Stan Watts pours molten bronze, at a temperature of 2,000 degrees. Clay models of his subjects have been made into molds, which ultimately create bronze statues.
"What you just saw was taking the molten process, and those pieces will last for 500 years, or forever," Watts says.
The basis for the French soldier is Lt. Daniel Nevot, who is now 89 years old and lives in southern Utah. He wanted to help immortalize the soldiers who helped to liberate the world during World War II.
"They have many, many statues of the generals, but few of the actual soldiers," Watts says.
Nevot commissioned the work as a gift to his military unit. While he is the model for the French soldier, it will also include an unnamed African rifleman who fought with the Free French to defeat the Axis in North Africa.
"This represents the actual men who were out doing the fighting," Watts says. "Daniel was one of three men who took a whole barrack of 150 Italians prisoner."
Watts believes the statues represent a monument to bravery and courage. He says to be personally involved in the project is an opportunity of a lifetime.
"Most sculptors go to France to learn the art of sculpture, and I have the honor of sending a sculpture to France," Watts says.
He also has the honor to create a lasting tribute, in honor of soldiers who fought for freedom.
The statue will be unveiled at the Chad Infantry Regiment in Colmar, France, sometime in July.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
