Chances are you've seen pictures or even visited the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Next to "the wall" is a bronze statue called "Three Soldiers." Washington was the only place you could see that statue until now.

Apalachicola will be the new home to the only authorized replica outside the nation's Capitol.

About seven years after the bloody and controversial Vietnam War, the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veteran's Memorial was dedicated.

Over 58,000 different names, representing the lives of soldiers who went missing or died, line the walls, and next to it are three bronze soldiers, giving a snapshot of the war.

One local Vietnam veteran, who was present at the 1982 dedication, says his emotions still run high today.

Jimmy Mosconis said, "I was there in the original unveiling in D.C., and very touching. That was 24 years ago. Still a pretty powerful symbol of what the American fighting man looked like in Vietnam."

Jimmy Mosconis has spent the last seven years trying to bring a replica of the three servicemen statue to the Veteran's Memorial Plaza in Apalachicola.

"We're really like an extension of the Vietnam War in Washington, D.C."

Before the statue's artist, Frederick Hart, passed away, he originally had a vision for five replicas to be placed throughout the country. Apalachicola was to be the first of these five, but shortly after the work had begun for the Apalachicola statue it was designated a national art treasure, meaning no more replicas.

"This is the first time in the history of our country that a piece of art of this level is being allowed to be reproduced and placed outside the city of Washington, D.C.”

Mosconis likens the long journey of bringing it here to a full-time job, but says the labor of love has been worth it. He even received a letter from Nancy Reagan saying she's pleased about the project and the opportunity for more people to see this tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in Vietnam.

Supporters still need donations to pay for the $1.2 million sculpture project. The unveiling will take place Saturday morning at 10:30 in Apalachicola's Veterans Memorial Plaza.