Gerald Tarpey, Sun City resident and artist, displayed his sculptures of soldiers in Prairie Lodge in the Hallway in Front of the Clayground Club facilities.
The sculptures gave pause to residents as they passed them on the way to a meeting or getting their steps in for the day. The three sculptures tell a story.
Tarpey said, “These figures represent real heroes. The sculpture of two soldiers represents a grandfather who fought in the Pacific War in World War II. He is with his grandson who served in Afghanistan. The solo soldier represents a conscientious objector who served his country in a non-combat role. He was killed delivering ammo by snipers.”
Tarpey’s third sculpture represents the men who served in Vietnam. The sculptures portray a sense of unity that references the bonds of love and sacrifice. Their strength and their vulnerability are both evident.
