The Sammy

Saint-Nazaire, France

“The wingspan of the eagle, symbol of America, on the American Monument "Sammy" is 12 metres; the statue weights 10 tons and is placed on a high pedestal carved from Breton granite.”

“The wingspan of the eagle, symbol of America, on the American Monument "Sammy" is 12 metres; the statue weights 10 tons and is placed on a high pedestal carved from Breton granite.”

the following is translated from:

https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/saint-nazaire-44600/saint-nazaire-14-18-la-veritable-histoire-du-sammy-6061696

What is the origin of this monument?

In the early 1920s, all the villages that lost their children envision stelae, monuments, statues to the glory of the heroes who died in battle. Yet it was in the United States that the idea of ​​a memorial for Saint-Nazaire was born. Major Roynon Chomeley-Jones, former soldier of the American Expeditionary Force, stayed for 15 months stationed in Saint-Nazaire. At the beginning of 1923, he imagined returning the favor to the French who in 1886 offered the Statue of Liberty to the American people for their struggle for independence. The idea seduced New Yorkers to the illustrious members of the honorary committee of the association Saint-Nazaire memorial funds: Vice-president Dawes, the Nobel Peace Prize winner Elihu Root.

A letter from the association mentioning the concept of the Statue of Liberty. | DR

A letter from the association mentioning the concept of the Statue of Liberty. | DR

Who is the sculptor chosen to create the memorial?

Since 1919, Gertrude Whitney is a sculptor renowned for having made bas-reliefs of the Victory Arch on Madison avenue in New York. The association turns to that reputed to freeze in a modern bronze (she admires Rodin), human suffering and suffering. Thus, the idea of ​​the association to offer a large clock on a Nazaire square is definitively abandoned at the sight of the sketch of Gertrude Whitney. The architect Albert Ross refines the project: He even plans a bronze statue of 50 m, with a soldier of 4 m 58 standing on an eagle with outstretched wings (11.58 m wide). The contract was signed on June 27, 1924.

Gertrude Whitney. | DR

Gertrude Whitney. | DR

Why a statue in the sea?

Gertrude was 11 years old when the fascinating Statue of Liberty was unveiled in New York. And from now on, she has created the same gesture as Bartholdi with this "Statue of Liberty for France", entitled from the association's letterhead. She misses the inauguration of another of her sculptures, Buffalo Bill to reach Saint-Nazaire by the ocean liner Majestic in July 1924. Aim of this visit: find the location of the work. She travels the city with the mayor Vivant Lacour and chooses the rock of the "Soulevain" also called "rock of the three bumps", in front of the boulevard de l'Océan. "Excellent choice," replies Saint-Nazaire. The Soldier and the Eagle will be surrounded by water, recalling the role of the US Navy. It is the only monument of the First War bathed by the ocean.

In 1926, the Soldier and the Eagle in progress. | DR

In 1926, the Soldier and the Eagle in progress. | DR

What is its symbolism?

Forget the interpretation of the soldier dominating the German eagle! It should be remembered that in 1917, American public opinion accepted the entry into the war of the United States presented as a crusade against German barbarism. The landing of 2.5 million soldiers is symbolized by this eagle, symbol of the American people, which clings to a high granite spur. It spreads its wings to extend its protection on French soil. On his back, a Doughboy (understand good guy in American), feet together, knees bent to cushion his landing. The Sammy holds his sword by the blade, point downwards, thus offering his strength to the French people by opening his arms wide. The base adds to the symbolic Ancient Rome of the work.

When was it inaugurated?

The installation can begin in June 1926. A boom allows the realization of the base. The statue is delivered as a spare part. It was carried out in the Henri-Rouard foundry in Paris. It measures 19 meters, 4 meters for the Soldier and the Eagle. It was inaugurated on 26 June, 1926 in the presence of Roynon Chonley Jones, the one who had the idea, Gertrude Whitney who gave it shape, of General Pershing. This Statue of Liberty, like that of New York, is a donation funded entirely by America.

The AMGWP believes this is a photo of The Sammy decication on 26 June, 1926. From the AMGWP collection.

 
 

Dynamism and melted by the Germans, how was it rebuilt?

1941. The entry into war of the United States provokes the reaction of the German General Staff which destroys the signs of the humiliating defeat of 14-18. After the war, a maritime agent passionate about history launched a challenge: erect again the statue of 1926. Michel Lugez, helped by friends of the Propeller Club (American maritime club) of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, of which he is a member , he founded and chaired the French Committee for the reconstruction of the Monument to the American Fallen of Saint-Nazaire. He launched an international subscription in April 1987 and received some money. In 1988, the 3 million francs not being reached, he prepared, disappointed, to return the money subscribed. Then one evening, New York on the phone: "How much are you missing?" ". The answer is wrong: "700,000 francs". (€ 106,700). His contact Marcel Roux, importer of Grand Marnier,

Michel Lugez surrounds himself with specialists: Pierre Fouesnant, sculptor, Fernand Joly founder. The monument was inaugurated on June 24, 1989 in the presence of Jean-Pierre Chevènement, Minister of Defense and General Pershing, grandson of John J. Pershing.