Main Element of Warrior’s Weekend Sand Sculpture -Photo by Sue Kubecka

The main body of the 16-foot tall sculpture consists of a fierce-looking eagle under a huge banner that states, “Don’t Tread on Me.” In the eagle’s left talon is a rifle, and in its right, the US Flag. The rifle represents the Bill of Rights, specifically the Second Amendment, and is meant as a message to any who would attempt to deny American citizens of their Constitutional rights. The US Flag represents a broader statement, to those here and abroad: “Don’t mess with our Country!”

The main purpose of the sand sculpture, created anew each year by Gloria Fric and her team of sculptors, is to welcome and honor the wounded warriors. “Just as important as creating a beautiful and meaningful piece of art, is the welcome and thanks we give to each soldier who sees it,” said Gloria.

Every soldier who walks up to view the sculpture is warmly greeted and asked if they would like to have his/her name engraved on its surface. A special “KIA” wall is also there for anyone who would like to have a fallen buddy’s name inscribed.

During this past Warrior’s Weekend, one of those soldiers stood pointing out a name on the KIA wall to another. “That was my buddy. I was with him when he died,” the young man said. At that same moment, a couple was also looking at the KIA wall. “That was our son,” they both exclaimed. Introductions and hugs followed and the couple and the solider walked off together, the young man telling the couple of his friendship with their son and the circumstances of his death. “It was a ‘God thing’,” said Gloria, “and the kind of thing that really makes our work here worthwhile.”

Gloria’s service in Port O’Connor didn’t end with the conclusion of Warrior’s Weekend. She and others stayed on through Memorial Day, meeting hundreds of people who came to see the sculpture, telling them the significance of it, and of Warrior’s Weekend.

Barring any big rainstorms, the Warrior’s Weekend sculpture will remain through the Fourth of July. After that, it will be demolished, but a year from now, expect to see another great monument to our heroes, lovingly sculpted and reverently presented by Gloria Fric and her group of volunteers.

Detail of Sand Sculpture -Photo by Julie Yost

Photo by Lea Ann's Photography