Memorial Sculpture Erected in Legacy Park

The centerpiece of Legacy Park – honoring the 14 Imperial Sugar Company associates lost as a result of a February 2008 tragedy at the Savannah Sugar Refinery – is now in place.

The bronze sculpture of 14 doves taking flight from upturned hands sits in the center of the on-site memorial, which is located at a quiet area surrounded by live oak trees near the entrance of the refinery in Port Wentworth, Ga. The sculpture is ringed by 14 black stone pedestals bearing the names of those who lost their lives, in some cases while heroically attempting to save others.

“This monument is testimony to those who lost their lives and who were injured,” said Imperial Sugar Chief Executive John Sheptor while visiting the park the day after the sculpture was erected.

Sheptor, members of the refinery’s leadership team and associates, gathered briefly in the park to remember their co-workers and to pray.

A moving tribute was delivered by Cynthia Hamilton, an associate at the Port Wentworth refinery, who said, “We have to rebuild our plant. We have to keep going forward and keep safety first. But we must not forget.”

Inspiration for the sculpture came from Port Wentworth’s Ginger Faulconer, site human resources manager, and Pat House, senior human resources administrator.

To download a high resolution version of the photo, click here.