America’s Response Monument
America’s Response Monument, the “Horse Soldier,” stands near the edge of Liberty Park patrolling the September 11th Memorial and Museum. Originally designed as by Douwe Blumberg, the renowned sculptor, forged a small model, depicting America’s initial entry into Afghanistan. The Green Berets of the 5th Special Forces group were among the first deployed in November of 2001. In need of transportation to navigate the unfamiliar and challenging terrain, the team unexpectedly turned to Afghan tribes for horses to successfully traverse the mountainous region. Despite the advanced capabilities of the American military, the horses proved to be decisive in the battalion’s early victories.
During and unveiling ceremony with then Vice President Joe Biden and Lt. Gen. John Mulholland in 2011, a new life-size sculpture of Blumberg’s initial concept was permanently positioned across from the 9/11 memorial. The new statue was commissioned by a group of anonymous Wall Street bankers who lost loved ones on 9/11, an enduring testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those lost in the Afghanistan War. While there are numerous other Afghanistan Veteran Memorials scattered across the United States, the “Horse Soldier” is unique in that it commemorates both the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and the American military’s response to those who perpetuated the attacks.
