JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The City of San Antonio celebrated the completion of phase one of the Lackland Corridor Gateway Project with the dedication of the Tribute to Freedom sculpture March 27, 2019, at the corner of U.S. Highway 90 and Military Drive.
George Schroeder created the sculpture in honor of the military. It includes five forms representing the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The central obelisk is modeled after the Washington monument. The other four figures surround the central obelisk, representing the military’s protection of the United States.
“Today is not only an opportunity to celebrate an incredible work of public art, but also the hundreds of military men and women who will see it everyday,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
In addition to honoring the military members of Joint Base San Antonio, the sculpture also illustrates the importance of cooperation in the city of San Antonio, added Col. Scott Thompson, 502nd Installation Support Group commander.
“While this freedom tower represents the five branches of the armed forces, I believe it means much more,” Thompson said. “It stands for pride, power and unity. Not only between our services, but between our service members and the city of San Antonio. This endeavor shows the commitment this city has to our service men and women.”
In addition to recognizing the military along with the relationship between San Antonio and JBSA, the creation of sculpture is also part of larger effort to revitalize the Military Drive corridor.
“This artwork is a great example of the power of public art to not only transform public spaces, but to bring communities and groups together,” said City Councilman Rey Saldaña. “But it’s only the beginning. Military Drive used to be the main highway in San Antonio, there used to be businesses and restaurants teeming with the flavor and zest of San Antonio. This is the first phase of a long project, which is the rebirth of the Military Drive corridor. ”
The Lackland Corridor Gateway Project also includes an entry plaza, picnic unit with a shade canopy, portable restroom, 100 foot-long pedestrian bridge, and monarch butterfly garden area. The total project will encompass a five-acre site and will be built with low impact development features to capture, filtrate and treat storm water runoff from the site to protect local rivers and reduce flooding.
“This transformative project is a testament to the military as a major contributor to the economic development and spirit of our city,” Nirenberg said. “It’s going to have a city wide impact for generations to come.”
For more information on the Lackland Corridor Gateway Project, visit https://www.sanantonio.gov/TCI/Projects/Lackland-Corridor-Gateway-Project#228111582-work-updates.