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Fisherman Memorial statue at TB#3
By Brandi G. West
After the initial
construction stages of the Fisherman Memorial, located
in Turning Basin #3, anticipation lingered and beginning
last Thursday, the final touches to the Memorial are now
underway with an anticipated completion in 2-3 weeks.
The statue, named the King
of God, is a masterfully cut granite statue portraying
an open-armed Jesus Christ which tips the scales
somewhere in the neighborhood of 24,000 pounds. It was
commissioned and shipped whole from Vietnam. The statue
stands approximately 15-feet high and the three-tiered
base and pedestal lifts the ‘Sacred Heart of Jesus’
statue 30-feet into the air.
The completion encompasses
an inset of three fishermen (an American, a Hispanic,
and a Vietnamese) all sharing hold of a ship’s steering
wheel.
The concept originated
with Tuyen Viet Vu, owner of Gulf Bay Marine. His hope
is to commemorate the fishermen who brought jobs and
livelihood to many people in Palacios.
There is a saying in
Vietnamese, commented Vu, “Ăn
qua nho’ ke tr
ồng
cay,” [all necessary symbols
not available] and the concept translated means when
you’re eating fruit never forget the bounty originated;
honoring ancestors and in this case harvesters.
According to David
Aparicio, owner of Anchor Seafood and memorial
contributor, many individuals have volunteered their
time and money to ensure the success of the project.
“It’s a memorial to all
the people that have lost their life to the sea. It’s
also in thanksgiving to God for all that’s harvested:
fish, shrimp, oysters and the fun recreational
activities associated with the water,” commented
Aparicio.
Anyone interested in
contributing to the Fisherman Memorial Fund contact
Commercial State Bank at 459 Main St. in Palacios;
972-2585.
The public will be invited
to an all-denominational Christian dedication upon
completion of the Memorial.
Palacios Beacon,
September 4, 2013
At left: After
a brief hiatus from work, crews have resumed work on the
completion of the Fisherman Memorial statue located at
Turning Basin #3. (Beacon Photo by Ryan West) |
