Tribute Memorial

*Tribute Memorial, dedication - April 28th

As part of the landscape surrounding the Veterans Glass City Skyway, Tribute Memorial is located on the south side of the bridge and stands to honor all those who contributed to the massive bridge project with special emphasis on those individuals who were injured and/or lost their lives. Evan Lewis, a sculptor from Chicago, was selected by the community to create the Tribute Memorial sculpture. His design includes a stainless steel tower standing on four concrete columns. Attached to the tower are two large kinetic elements that move endlessly in the wind symbolizing the tireless efforts of the individuals who worked on the bridge project. Directly below the tower Evan has created a space that is dedicated to reflection and meditation. He utilizes the four columns that support the tower to enclose this space and create a pavilion or sanctuary that visitors can enter. The orientation of the sculpture is such that when visitors are standing in this space, they are on axis with the pylon element of the Veterans Glass City Skyway Bridge. The placement of the sculpture on this line creates a direct connection between the reflections of those who visit the sculpture and the great community effort that was put forth to complete the Skyway project.

*Tribute Memorial, artist Evan Lewis

In early 2009, Evan was contracted and given his first payment to proceed with building the sculpture. The sculpture was completed in the spring of 2011 and the project was dedicated that same year on April 28th coinciding with workers Memorial Day. The dedication ceremony included remarks by Marcy Kaptur (US Congresswoman, Ohio District 9), Marc Folk (ACGT Executive Director), Evan Lewis (Artist), John Crandall (VGCS Tribute Committee Co-Chair), Joe Blaze III (Ironworkers Local 55), Dan Morey (Carpenters Local 1138), Gary Siesel (Operating Engineers Local 18), and Rev. Kenneth A. Burris (Grandfather of Andrew Burris). For more information about the dedication ceremony, CLICK HERE to view the dedication program.

It is important to note that due to the community efforts of the Taskforce nearly the entire cost of Tribute Memorial came from the private community. The project was administered by the VGCS Tribute Committee and the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo.

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