Life-sized bronze statues representing branches of the armed services stand at different locations in the memorial .
The memorial
Visitors enter the memorial by following a paved walkway that leads to a circular fl ag court with fi ve fl ag poles , and fi ve life-sized bronze statues , representing the fi ve branches of the United States military .
A sixth statue is positioned in the center of the memorial , in the Pentagon Court . It is called the “ Leave No Man Behind ” statue , and portrays a soldier carrying a fallen soldier on his shoulders .
The path proceeds beneath fi ve large wooden archways . The top beams are inscribed with the words : duty , honor , country , valor , and courage .
The pathway ends in a second circular court , the Pentagon Court , ringed by fi ve large pillars with more than 400 plaques containing veterans ’ names .
The words “ never forget ” are inscribed on a wood beam overhead .
The dedication
“ Stainless steel throughout , strong Alaskan yellow cedar timber beams , and beautiful white powder coated [ fl ag ] poles incorporated the major industries at the heart of our community ’ s economic success ,” Tony Kielkucki , ceremony master of ceremonies at the dedication , explained .
Kielkucki described the history of the memorial ’ s construction , beginning with its initial conceptualization in 2016 , and acknowledged many Winsted residents who were involved in its creation . He called it a stunning and unique memorial that embodied remembrance , sacrifi ce , and service .
Kielkucki described the memorial ’ s features , including fi ve large pillars containing 421 plaques , which are inscribed with the names of veterans , and were purchased by veterans and their families to help fund the construction of the memorial .
Following the dedication ceremony , attendees were encouraged to walk through the Winsted Veterans Memorial .
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Veterans ’ names are etched into plaques and displayed on large pillars at the memorial .