The monument depicts a strong, American man using his arms to launch the Saturn rocket into orbit. Only the fire of the rocket touches his hand, and above him are the orbits of the earth and moon. The rocket moves around the earth, starting at Cape Kennedy, going around the moon, landing on the moon and returning to earth.
His left hand receives the space shuttle when it returns to Earth, and his feet rest on waves in the ocean. The dolphins under his feet symbolize the landing of the space shuttle in the ocean. De Weldon wanted the statue to symbolize the research of scientists, the people working for the space program and the support of the American people for these efforts.
The statue was made in Rome, Italy and the total cost of $75,000 was raised by the Alumni Association. The names of those who donated $500 or more have been inscribed on the base of the statue.
The Centennial Year Statue
Photo courtesy of Tim Webb
It symbolizes the prominent position that Eastern's Law Enforcement program has in the nation. The actual depiction is of a mounted Kentucky State Trooper. He is wearing jack boots, baggy pants, a Sam Browne belt and a broad-brimmed hat. Even though KSP officers never rode horses other early peace officers often did.
For more information on Felix de Weldon see the following web sites:
- Jahrtausendkunst, Felix de Weldon's Tribute to the Millenium
- Felix de Weldon profile from the Bendetti Gallery
- The official Felix de Weldon family page
The Equestrian Statue
Photo courtesy of Tim Webb