Centurion

Centurion: Jus Fides Libertatum is a bronze sculpture depicting a wounded warrior located outside the Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center on 8th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham. It honors area law enforcement professionals who gave their lives in the line of duty. It was sculpted by Branko Medenica under a commission from the Fraternal Order of Police Birmingham Lodge No. 1 and dedicated on October 27, 1991. A rededication ceremony was held on May 28, 1998.

The 8-foot long, 5-foot wide and 7-foot tall statue was inspired by the "Dying Gaul", a 230 B.C. Roman copy of an older Greek sculpture which is exhibited at the Capitoline Museum in Rome. The motto "Jus Fides Libertatum", meaning "Law is a safeguard of freedom", appears on the emblem of the Fraternal Order of Police.

A Birmingham Police officer modeled for Medenica at his 25th Street South studio. The bronze was cast in West Palm Beach, Florida.

References

• "Scooter Bill" (July 29, 2007) "Centurion-Jus Fides Libertatum - Birmingham, Alabama". Waymarking.com
• Virginia (January 21, 2009) "Fallen Heroes". Birmingham, Alabama Daily Photo

External links

• Branko Medenica website
• Centurion at Birmingham Art