What better day could there be for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the soldier silhouette in Roosevelt than the 4th of July? A crowd gathered on the bluff overlooking the cemetery in Roosevelt on Independence Day to share in their appreciation for veterans during a ceremony for the soldier silhouette statue. In 2023, a massive 30 by 60 foot flag was raised over 120 feet in the air on the bluff next to Highway 40 and overlooking the cemetery in Roosevelt. That memorable event took place in time for Roosevelt’s Independence Day celebration that year. In May of this year, the special large scale soldier silhouette statue joined the massive flag as a special tribute to all who have served or currently serve in the military. Garry Rohrer with the American Legion spoke to the crowd on Friday and thanked all involved in the project, emphasizing that this is about recognizing the veterans who have died for freedom. Roosevelt Mayor JR Bird also spoke to the crowd. One thing he noted is that some have asked why the soldier in the silhouette is facing out rather than towards the flag and he explained that the soldier is intentionally overlooking the cemetery where over 500 veterans are buried.
