Heart breaking memorial sculpture honors soldiers
Families that have experienced war bear scars that never really heal. A moving monument honours the soldiers that fought and lost their lives in World Wars I and II at a memorial in the Hungarian hamlet of Vácrátót. It shows a family of four dressed in typical Hungarian folk attire, with the dad missing. Rather, a cutout silhouette of the soldier’s expected location—alive and with his family—is present.
This moving memorial, created by Hungarian sculptor Böjte Horváth István, serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifice made by these troops and the fact that their loved ones will never forget them. The younger son is supported on their dad’s imaginary knee as the wife extends her arm to wrap around her hubby’s shoulder. The girl does the same, leaning her body into the empty spot where her father ought to be. These insignificant deeds highlight the immeasurable loss of hundreds of families caused by these two tragic occurrences.
A sizable rock plaque with hundreds of names carved into it is located beneath the statue. The names of the Vácrátót-born Hungarian troops who fought in World Wars I and II are included. Visitors and locals from the area are welcome to visit the memorial to offer their condolences and reflect on the lives lost.
A blank shadow serves as a touching tribute to the Hungarian troops who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.
