Fifty soldiers are portrayed here as actual World War II infantrymen, each sculpted from real life and representing his individual state in the United States. The lead man is Fred Hoppe Sr., the sculptor's father, representing the state of Nebraska. Together they honor almost 407,000 American servicemen who gave their lives in the service of the country during World War II, and they also honor all men and women who have ever served and sacrificed for their country. The sculpture is considered the largest life-size bronze military sculpture in the world, measuring 70 feet long and weighing over 15 tons.