Matt Urban Memorial (2008)

The latest monument the artist designed honors Matt Urban. He was the most decorated Veteran. It sits out front of The Rath Building, Franklin Avenue, Buffalo, NY.

"I've been a V.A. (Veterans Administration) employee since 1977. It's always been an honor to serve my fellow Veterans and provide some measure of comfort to their families. When asked to create a centerpiece fountain, for our newly installed Veterans Park, a mildly abstract image came to mind. The base/rim has a front to rear upward pitch. Angles are also incorporated into the 'V' ( for Veteran ) sculpture that surges skyward.

"My intention was to design a meditative atmosphere, a place to reflect. Remembrance. The 'V' was installed at the time of a fellow employee's death. It made me think of my many co-workers who have passed away. Not all were Veterans and some, I hardly knew. However, we all shared a common ground in our service to those who have served."

"Water Run" (2000) Designed & Sculpted by Ralph Sirianni

The centerpiece of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Sprague Brook, NY.  Dedicated Memorial Day, 2001.

Before work began, the block of mahogany granite weighed 7000 pounds; it now weighs less than half.

The figure, which is larger than life, portrays a function that anyone who has served in the military can relate to -- it depicts something peaceful, yet very necessary to survival.

The GI is filling a canteen.  This simple act of replenishment is essential to the sustenance of troops in combat.

Special thanks to Mike Gomez on this project.

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Western New York
Vietnam Memorial Centerpiece
1984

Buffalo, New York

>
Korean War Memorial
of Western New York
1990

Buffalo, New York

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West Seneca
Vietnam Memorial
1985

West Seneca, New York