Congratulations to local sculptor Jim Brothers on yet another major commission to commemorate U.S. soldiers.

Brothers has been hired to create a 7 1/2-foot bronze sculpture to anchor a new veterans memorial in Topeka’s Gage Park. A drive officially began Friday to raise $140,000 for the creation and installation of the sculpture.

The work, titled “Homage,” will depict a soldier lost in thought mourning a fallen comrade. Brothers said his goal was to allow visitors to stand with the soldier and share the experience of honoring a warrior who died for his country.

Brothers is well-known for his realistic World War II scenes. His work defines the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va., and his sculpture of Dwight Eisenhower in a World War II uniform stands in the U.S. Capitol. Lawrence residents need go no further than the Lawrence Visitors Center in North Lawrence to view Brothers’ “From the Ashes,” a bronze sculpture that is part of a memorial honoring local veterans.

Brothers is one of a number of local artists who have gained national attention and helped identify Lawrence as an active and supportive home for the visual arts. We should be proud of their accomplishments and the positive way in which they represent our community.