The project is complete!!
The project is complete!!The project is complete!!The project is complete!!
The project is complete!!
The Project is complete!!!
The project ended with a final amazing ceremony!
On June 8th, the project was completed with a final ceremony to dedicate the statue to the Town Hall of Monument. We had Jim Bergeron as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. With speakers following up, Charlie Crouse from the Rampart Chapter Association of Graduates, Mayor Mitch LaKind, and Scoutmaster Matthew Giles. Then, an incredible flyover was performed by Gary "Gar" Frith as part of Aces Up Aviation (see picture above). With the missing man formation to honor Col Depner and Robert Henderson
The project is complete!
After 3 years, the project is finally complete. With a total of roughly $55,000 raised, the statue was dedicated to the Town of Monument on June 8th! The button below is the photo gallery of the ceremony, the PIN for downloading pictures is 3172
About "P51 Monument"
My name is Colin Saber. I am an Eagle Scout residing in Monument, CO, and I have completed a unique Eagle Project, which is the final step toward earning the Eagle Scout rank. This project was to honor the greatest generation of pilots, one man in particular, Col Ear Depner. I aimed to place a statue of a P-51 in his honor, as that is what he flew during WW2, as he passed away in January of 2022. This project needed funding of roughly $55,000. During the project, the sculptor of the statue, Robert Henderson, was also known as the warbird sculptor. He passed away in September of 2023. This project was dedicated to his honor as well.
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 placed a statue of a P-51 in his honor, as well as many other pilots who served for our country (exact statue is pictured). This project was dedicated to the honor of pilot Col Earl Depner and The Warbird Sculptor, Robert Henderson. On June 8th, this project was completed, raising around $55,000, and having the statue dedicated on June 8th to the Town of Monument.
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.