Sand sculpture on Siesta Key pays tribute to past and current members of armed forces

SARASOTA, Fla. - Standing at eight feet high and weiging thirty tons, Brian Wigelsworth's sand scuplture could be called a labor of love.  "I realized what these soldiers have done and what they have given up to fight for our freedoms," he said.

Thursday marked the kick off of the Siesta Key Crystal Cassic master sandsculpting competition.

The event hosted by Mote Marine features 24 of the top master sand sculptors from around the world.  All are competing for $18,000 and the world championship of sand sculpting doubles title.

Money raised will help the Mote Marine Laboratory sea turtle conservation fund.

"It is just so unbelievable that someone could take a pile of sand and make it into such a living memorial," said Russell Stanley. Stanley and others were stopped in their tracks by a rendition of Brian Wiglesworth's sculpture of the iconic image of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. It's a tribute to Veteran's day and the birth of the Marines.

 "Today is their day. To do something for them they love it. I mean they have tears in their eyes and that feels good to make something where somebody can really appreciate it," said master sand sculpter Greg Grady.

More so than anything, Wigelsworth said he wanted to take the time and thank those who continue to fight or our freedom every single day. "We kind of lost track of what these veterans do and we need to show them we appreciate them. I think we have some making up to do, so we just need to concentrate on that.  They are never forgotten what they have done for us," said Wigelsworth.

The competition continues until Sunday.