" . . . Unconquered was created by the world-famous bronze sculptor Lorenzo Ghiglieri.  Lorenzo's sculptures reside in the world's most prestigious museums and art collections, including the White House, the Vatican, Queen Elizabeth II, and in the private collections of celebrities including President Reagan's collection, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tiger Woods, Ross Perot, etc.  Lorenzo died in Vancouver, Washington this year at age 88, just two days after the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission approved unanimously for Unconquered to be permanently installed here.  This artist proof of 1,800 pound, 10 foot high, bronze sculpture that you are about to experience is one of the last sculptures produced by Lorenzo Ghiglieri.  . . .

When Lewis and Clark explored Idaho in year 1805, an estimated 50,000 Grizzly bears roamed between the Pacific Ocean and the Great Plains.  However, when pioneers moved in, Grizzlies were persecuted and their numbers and range drastically declined by 97%.  Today, only about 1,200 - 1,400 wild Grizzly bears remain in the lower 48 states.  Of the 37 Grizzly populations present in 1922, 31 were exterminated by 1975, leaving only six designated recovery ecosystems in the lower 48 states.  Since 1975, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Grizzly bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, placing the species under federal protection.  Of these six remaining 'Recovery Ecosystems' located only in four states - Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, four of these six ecosystems are located in Idaho.  The Grizzly bear symbolizes the persecuted.  In this time when we mourn George Floyd's persecution, the Grizzly is a symbol of strength for us all to be encouraged by.

The Grizzly bear also symbolizes courage to stand up against our fears.  Fears of the Coronavirus, fears of death threats and calls for resignations.  Fears against the rise of socialism and fascism and communism.  We must not fear, but stand with courage as we peacefully resist these tyrannies.

The Grizzly bear symbolizes protection.  Just as our U.S. Government has protected the Grizzly bear as an endangered species, the Grizzly serves as an inspiration for us to protect our homes, our businesses, our families from killers, looters, and rioters.  Help me thank all of the police officers and local Patriots who place their lives on the line to protect our God-given freedoms and inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. . . ."