.jpeg/:/rs=w:806,h:604)
About "P51 Monument"
My name is Colin Saber. I am a Life Scout located in Monument CO, and I am working on my Eagle Scout Project, which is the final step of becoming an Eagle! Someone that lived in Monument and was a P-51 pilot in WW2 << Colonel Earl Depner >> passed away in January of 2022. I have interests in history (especially WW2) as well as in aviation. I also have great respect for people that risked their lives to save our country. Reading about Col Depner and his experiences inspired me to do something, so I thought up a project that I thought would help honor and remember people like him that sacrificed so much for us.
Colonel Earl Depner -- A True American Hero
Col Earl Depner was a P-51 pilot in WW2 who flew 84 missions and actually got shot down during one encounter. He also flew a mission in the Korean war.
Col Earl Depner was in the 356th Fighter Squadron, one of the pioneering squadrons of getting both P-51B and P-51D models.
After the two wars he fought in, he came home and lived in Monument CO until he was 104 years old. He was also a part of Knights of Columbus for 84 years!
Click the "Learn More" button to read more about Col Earl Depner's amazing life and experiences!
Robert Henderson
Robert Henderson (The Warbird Sculptor)
Mr Henderson was one of the most well known sculptors in Colorado. He is also the person who made the sculpture I am trying to acquire. He was also known as the warbird sculptor, He also made many pieces at the Air Force academy that is able to been seen to this day. But on September 6th 2023, he passed away. So in his remembrance, he will have a plaque on the statue site.
About The Project of P51 Monument
Since Col Earl Depner, along with thousands of other pilots, put their country first, I would like to honor them by putting a P-51 sculpture at the Town Hall of Monument CO. I am doing this because people like him risked their lives to save the world. The reason it is going to be a P-51 is because of Col Earl Depner, but this is really to honor and remember ALL American pilots and fallen hero's, for their amazing sacrifices that they made for our country. I need your help to raise the money needed for this project!
Where is the Statue?
The statue is located at the Town Hall of Monument where it is pictured above, where the Town of Monument has let me place this statue in remembrance of Col Earl Depner, and as this statue is the last piece of The Warbird Sculptor, Robert Henderson. The Town of Monument have gifted me this spot to honor the WW2 veterans who saved the world. The Mayor of Monument, Mitch LaKind, and previous mayor, Don Wilson have helped me place this there. As well as Town Parks and recreation manager, Madeline VanDenHoek have helped with this statue being installed by GE Johnson/DPR Construction.