Father Ruben Patino, CSP, stands by the new statue at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, titled Lest We Forget.

The small crowd standing anxiously in the Texas sun at high noon wasn’t waiting for two cowboys to reenact a pistol-packing shootout while visiting a ghost town, but for something that means much more.

Instead, the faithful witnessed the June 15 unveiling and blessing of a new statue on the campus, titled “Lest We Forget.” The statue depicts a U.S. soldier being embraced by Jesus Christ, and inaugurates the parish’s Armed Forces Honor Garden that will feature water fountains emblazoned with memorial stars, memorial plaques and paving stones to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces over the years.

“I believe we can all find our own meaning to the title of the statue, but for me it is about forgiveness and gratitude,” said Father Rúben Patiño, St. Paul’s pastor and a member of the Paulist Fathers, who have served the community since its founding in 1972. “Forgiveness because, as Christians, we are taught to respect human life; taking someone’s life goes against our Christian beliefs. … Somehow, we need to find peace with our lives and with our compromises; this has been a concern for all veterans of war.” Gratitude, he said, was for the courage and sacrifice inherent in their military service.

Parishioners Gary and Patty Broad donated the statue to St. Paul’s. Mr. Broad, a U.S. Army veteran, and Mrs. Broad, originally from Canada, were married at St. Paul’s in June 2014. Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmaltz created the statue so there was an immediate connection for the Broads with this project.

A “soft” campaign is underway to raise the approximately $160,000 needed to construct the rest of the honor garden. The campaign includes opportunities for parishioners and others to honor and memorialize family and friends who have served our country.

The first major pledge was made by parishioner Roger Staubach and his wife, Marianne. Mr. Staubach attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he won a Heisman Trophy. He then served a tour in Vietnam during his time in the Navy before becoming the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

The honor garden came out of Father Patiño’s experience as a teenaged member of the American Junior GI Forum in Corpus Christi, Texas.

“Among my most poignant memories was being invited to be part of an honor guard to welcome home fallen American soldiers as they arrived at the airport and escort the bodies to their families in the small rural towns of South Texas,” he said.“I believe those who have served our country loyally need to know that, as a country, we appreciate their valor and their service,” he said.