Gerhold Sponsors Norfolk Sculpture
The “Going Home” sculpture by Sondra Jonson features an angel carrying a fallen soldier to heaven and was modeled on a larger statue dedicated to Staff Sgt. Robb L. Rolfing in Sioux Falls, S.D.
A fallen soldier and biblical scripture were the inspiration behind “Going Home,” a Gerhold Concrete-sponsored bronze sculpture by Nebraska artist Sondra Jonson for the annual Norfolk Sculpture Walk.
“In designing ‘Going Home,’ my intention was to bring comfort to Gold Star families and to inspire others,” Jonson said. “The soldier who has made the ultimate sacrifice for our country is taken up to heaven by a powerful, angelic figure. His death is not defeat. It is a sign that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others; and for that sacrifice, the soldier enters eternal life in triumph.”
Jonson said parts of Isiah 25:8 and 1 Corinthians 15:53 spoke to her when creating the piece: “Death is swallowed up in victory,” and “This mortal shall put on immortality.”
Gerhold Concrete employees Dave Tracy and Dave Keller work on the concrete pads for the Norfolk Sculpture Walk.
The sculpture is just one of several on display around Norfolk, Neb., as part of the city’s annual Sculpture Walk. Gerhold Concrete was a participating sponsor again this year, providing the concrete bases for some of the works of art.
“They keep adding to the number of sculptures each year, so we have been pouring new pads each year to accommodate,” said Dave Keller, Estimator and Sales Representative for Gerhold Concrete. “While tourists are viewing the sculptures, they can partake in the many shopping venues and restaurants downtown. It’s kind of a neat project, and it continues to make downtown Norfolk more inviting and interesting to tour.”
“Going Home” is one of 20 sculptures around the city this year, 18 of which are available for purchase.
“I found the piece to be very patriotic,” Keller added. “It has a way of saying, ‘Thank you, veterans, for your service,’ and serves as a reminder that not all make it back. Some give it all.”
The piece in Norfolk is a smaller version of an 11-foot tall sculpture Jonson made in memory of Staff Sergeant Robb L. Rolfing, a Special Forces Green Beret killed in combat operations in Iraq in 2007. It serves as a monument to fallen soldiers in Sioux Falls, S.D., where Rolfing was from.
