The gathering of family and friends, the flowers, the food, the carefully chosen words; these elements of traditional services of remembrance are luxuries unavailable to the soldiers in the field, or in the throes of battle. But for them, the necessity and the desire to commemorate the individual whose life was given in the performance of duty, the support of companions and the service to Country becomes paramount. For them, as they stand in unit formation, the final roll is called, and the name of the fallen soldier is spoken last.

The name is called out by the First Sergeant three times. After the third call, when no response is uttered, a fellow soldier steps forward to stand before the unit, thrusts the rifle of the fallen, bayonet down, into the ground and drapes the dog tags of the fallen over the rifle. A helmet is then placed on top and a pair of boots at the base. This makeshift cross is then acknowledged, so that all will know and remember that this fallen soldier is accounted for, and will never be forgotten. The soldier who places the cross of the fallen soldier, or SOLDIER’S CROSS, is most often a best friend.

Size: 17x10x26

Edition Size: 750

About the Artist: LARAN GHIGLIERI

As a world-class master sculptor, Laran Ghiglieri follows his family's tradition of unparalleled artistic creativity, quality and excellence. Under the apprenticeship of his father, Laran has collaborated and co-produced hundreds of paintings. Laran's spectacular sculptures range in theme from historical and wildlife to patriotic and sports-related. Laran was born into a family of artists, and undoubtedly inherited the creative streak.  A true prodigy, he began designing and creating master works of art at the age of eleven.

 In his bright endeavoring career, Laran created his own masterpiece, ‘Reflections of America', two eagles wrapped in the American flag on permanent display both in our Nation’s House of Representatives as well as The Oregon National Guard. His unique and creative spirit does more than compliment his family’s legacy of skill and craftsmanship, Laran’s work captures a dramatic glimpse of life in a timeless pose where motion is implied, expression can be read, and motives are understood.

Laran has cultivated his own following, and has contributed to many spectacular monuments in the United States, Japan, and South America. This includes some of the world’s largest bronze sculptures, one of which is a bronze eagle standing over 33 feet tall and weighing 14 tons. Laran's work is featured in galleries in Naples, Florida and Sisters, Oregon.