December 13, 2004

Big Christmas Ornament

From the Sacramento Bee comes this story of a very large lawn ornament: bq. Light infantryman Lodi family honors troops in Iraq with annual holiday display bq. Nothing says happy holidays like, well, a 48-foot American soldier fashioned from rebar and 4,000 feet of twinkling lights. At least in Larry Hamilton's mind. bq. The Lodi man spent Sunday polishing off his contribution to the Delta skyline, piecing together the framework of the latest in his series of electrified, high-rise holiday spectacles. And of course: bq. The Hamiltons are no amateurs. bq. Father and son are construction contractors whose daytime job includes sprucing up aging Delta buildings. The two work for at least a month with welding torch and rebar to mold a form. Kids, don't try this at home. Still, very cool -- here are some photos:
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Tony Hamilton, left, and father Larry admire their 48-foot creation Sunday after the lighting ceremony. The welded statue is poised as if the soldier is stepping onto the carport clutching a rifle.
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Larry Hamilton, left, adjusts his soldier statue, made of rebar and strung with 4,000 feet of twinkling lights. Posted by DaveH at December 13, 2004 11:56 PM