Arizona city to get rejected sculpture

SWAMPSCOTT-The large granite war memorial that some Swampscott residents decried as too patriotic has found a home in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.The Freedom Bridge Foundation said the eight-foot tall statue, which was the center of great controversy this past August after town officials first accepted then rejected the gift, will be placed in Lake Havasu City’s Veterans Park.The gray rock statue which currently sits in donors Debra and Mark Blain’s granite carving business in Millbury, depicts an American soldier in uniform standing in front of the large stone letters USA and an American flag.The statue, which cost $35,000 and was caved in China, is to be transported cross country after Lake Havasu beat out 300 other U.S. cities competing for it. After Swampscott rejected it, the statue was offered up to cities across the nation.Freedom Bridge Foundation President Margaret Nyberg said the statue will be treasured when it arrives in Lake Havasu City.Associated Press material was used in this report.