La Petite Fleur recently won the Beverly Hoyt Robertson Memorial Award for a Work by a Young Sculptor at the National Sculpture Society’s 81st Annual Awards Exhibition.
Click here to view more on La Petite Fleur on the National Sculpture Society's page:
To view more on the creation of La Petite Fleur, visit Mardie Rees page here.
During her latest unveiling ceremony (September 30), Mardie Rees had the honor of presenting her sculpture ‘Soul of the Forward and Faithful’, the WWII U.S Marine Raider Memorial at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. The unveiling took place in an ideal setting, an enclosed courtyard with a glass canopy, from which hung several vintage warplanes. The guests were treated to breakfast and refreshments.
In addition to the presence of high ranking officers and a salute by the Color Guard, Mardie was accompanied by two WWII veterans who unveiled the sculpture and shared inspiring stories of their time serving our country. All in attendance were also treated to remarks given by the guest of honor, Colonel Andrew R. Milburn of MARSOC.
The event concluded with an opportunity for the guests to closely view the sculpture, and immerse themselves in the beauty and history surrounding them by touring the museum. Many took this time to chat with the Mardie herself, as she gave them insight into how she approaches her work.
HISTORIC WWII SCULPTURE ON DISPLAY AT AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM
Mardie was privileged to attend this year's U.S. Marine Raiders Reunion (August 6th-10th) held near the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego. Mardie joined nineteen WWII Raider veterans, other retired and active Marines, family and friends as they shared stories, visited a local U.S. Marine history museum and Naval base, and attended a graduation where 306 young men were officially deemed 'Marines' after completing one of the most rigorous thirteen week courses in the world.
The reunion was concluded with a banquet dinner, with a keynote speech by MarSOC Commander Maj.Gen. Joseph L. Osterman. During his inspiring remarks, Maj.Gen. Osterman read a poignant and timely proclamation by current Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos. In the proclamation, Cmdt Amos declared that the title 'Raider' is now officially and formally aligned with today's MarSOC Marines; a move that honors those that fought so bravely in WWII, and represents a carrying of the heritage created by those men.
A highlight of the event was the reveal of 'Soul of the Forward and Faithful'. The design and finished bronze maquette was warmly received, and Mardie spent the evening speaking to many excited people about what the sculpture meant to them.
