A tall, bronze statue of Shane Patton was unveiled in Wilbur Square today. The statue, which was paid for by community donations, is now the focal point of the park and features Patton in full dress in a warrior pose. The statue was revealed exactly twenty years to the day of Patton’s death during Operation Redwings in Afghanistan.
Prior to the unveiling, Nellis AFB and the Boulder City Veterans Pilot Group, flew over the event. An honor guard presented the colors as Benson Harper sang the National Anthem before the assembled group. The park was filled with friends, family, and dignitaries, including Governor Joe Lombardo and his wife, State Representative Danielle Gallant, Senator Cortez Masto’s office, Mayor Pro Tem Sherri Jorgensen, Boulder City City Council Members Denise Ashurst, Cokie Booth, and Steve Walton. The Patton family was represented by James Patton, father, and Chase Patton, brother. Both spoke eloquently about their loved one prior to the unveiling.
The guest speaker was Captain Christopher Wear of Norfolk, VA. He shared memories of Shane during SEAL training school and described him as a funny, laid back person who was full of resolve and tenacity. He fondly recalled bonding with Shane over skating, surfing, and punk rock music.
Grant Turner of the Shane Patton Memorial Foundation spoke for a few minutes about the timeline of statue. The creator of the statue is Barret Thompson, a local resident. The statue was sculpted by world-renowned sculptor and professor, Grzegorz Gwiazda. The crowd was appreciative of the detail in the bronze likeness. The statue was funded in part by local community contributions, and by a generous donation by Victor DiCosola, another local resident.
Immediately following the ceremony was the annual Shane Patton Memorial Foundation Pub Crawl, featuring the following local businesses:
- Bar Next Door
- Beer Zombies
- Big T’s Cantina
- Boulder Dam Brew Pub
- Cement Slipper Tiki Bar
- Cornish Pasty
- The Dillinger
- Fox Family BBQ
- Hangar 502
- Jack’s Place
- Leafy Latitude
- Maxx’s Oasis
Although the statue has been installed and unveiled, the work of the Shane Patton Memorial Foundation continues:
The Shane Patton Foundations ensures that future generations are endowed and educated on the sacrifices of our heroic warriors. One hundred percent of funds raised are given back to our community in the form of scholarships for Boulder City High School students, and support other various Boulder City Groups.
Take a moment to head over to the park and see the solemn soldier in person.
