Most Precious Offering

Dedicated in May 2007, this bronze sculpture is a memorial to area soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and honors the parents who nurtured their soldiers from infancy. Donated to the city of Lafayette by artist, Saundra Whiddon, the sculpture features a baby swaddled in an American flag and lifted to heaven by its parents outstretched arms. A combat helmet rests next to one of the arms as a reminder of their ultimate offering. A granite base under the sculpture lists the names of area soldiers who died in combat.