From intention to realization
Initiators
- Robert Remacle (author of this text and sculptor of the eagle)
- Louis Petit
- Roby Clam
- Roger Marquet
- Joseph Gélard
- Patrick d’Udekem d’Acoz
- Jean-Claude Cremer (on behalf of the Commune of Bastogne)
They believed that Bastogne lacked an emblem of the 101st Airborne Division.
Projects : I designed 23 sculpture projects (photos below)
Selected project and why : It is the “Eagle Monument” that was directly chosen by American vacationers (in Mexico) to whom I asked, “For you, Americans, which project do you prefer?”.
I then spoke to my friends about it, and they also unanimously chose the “Eagle Monument”.
Symbolism of the sculpture An eagle
An eagle : “The Screaming Eagle” is the emblem of the 101st Airborne.
The wings are raised high : To evoke the dove of peace (peace that the units honored have contributed to restore).
The American helmet turned over : Symbolizes the blood shed by wounded, killed or missing soldiers (it is also found on all 40th anniversary posters).
The eagle’s head : Turned towards the helmet, as if he wanted to protect the soldiers of the 101st and help them; but also to show his compassion for the killed, wounded or missing GIs.
The eagle : His mass, in order to demonstrate the strength, power and tenacity of the 101st Airborne (in the wings, head and legs of the eagle).
Sculptor… volunteer…
My name is Robert Remacle, a retired bank employee, self-taught. I first asked my wife if she agreed that I should try to make this sculpture. It would take a lot of time!
She immediately agreed, in honor of the GIs. And so for more than a year, starting on August 28, 2007, I patiently devoted my days to making this statue, which has received the approval of many admirers.
Here are the most significant projects among the 23 presented :
