Guardian of the Guns

Honoring the

Field Artilleryman

Monuments are more than stone and bronze – they’re living connections to stories that shaped our world. The Field Artilleryman statue at Fort Sill is one such story.

Erected near the Army Field Artillery Museum, this bronze figure depicts a cannoneer carrying a 105 mm round, standing watch next to an M119 howitzer – symbolic of the munitions and mission that define artillery’s role in military history.

When I framed this photo, I aimed for a dramatic low-angle composition – grounded by the statue’s stance yet elevated by the wide Oklahoma sky – a visual metaphor for the courage and vigilance of every artilleryman. He doesn’t just hold ammunition; he carries a legacy.

Fort Sill itself is steeped in artillery tradition. Established in 1868 and evolving from cavalry into America’s premier Field Artillery center, the post became home to the Field Artillery School in 1911. Today, alongside the Air Defense Artillery, it forms the FIRES Center of Excellence.

For me, Guardian of the Guns isn’t merely a photograph – it’s a heartfelt salute to those who served, sacrificed, and shaped the traditions of the “King of Battle.” This bronze sentinel invites reflection, pride, and respect.

You can learn more about the Field Artillery Museum at Fort Sill, the home of The Field Artilleryman statue here.

Be Part of the Legacy

Bring Guardian of the Guns into your collection and pay homage to Fort Sill’s history.

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