The 16,000-Kilometer Bridge

Ambassador Terry Branstad’s extraordinary forty-year legacy—from assuming office as Governor of Iowa in 1983 to the present—not only coincides with this great historical chapter in China’s development, but also represents his remarkable contributions to Iowa’s role in U.S.–China relations and bilateral economic exchange.

He has been not only a key promoter of this historic process, but also one of its most compelling witnesses.

What we unveil today is not merely a sculpture. It is a tribute to an extraordinary life journey and a symbolic code embedded in the history of friendship and exchange between China and the United States.

Fifty-two years ago, on another bright and beautiful day in early February, during his historic visit to Beijing, Richard Nixon declared:

“This was the week that changed the world.”

He further emphasized:

“What we must do in the years ahead is build a bridge across 16,000 kilometers, to overcome the hostility that has divided us in the past. And what we say today is that we will build that bridge.”

That bridge, stretching across East and West, has at last connected the world’s two most important nations.

A bridge enables us to move beyond barriers and toward open pathways; it helps us escape hardship and gain freedom. A bridge facilitates exchange, increases efficiency, brings happiness to the world, and inspires hope.

If humanity benefits from crossing bridges, then we must cherish them—and we bear an even greater responsibility to defend them.

It is therefore our hope that, through this work, more people will not only recognize the meaning of “the bridge,” but will also actively participate as its caretakers and guardians—becoming protectors of this magnificent structure built across generations.

May this bridge, stretching toward the horizon, become a messenger and guardian of hope for the future.

Branstad

Branstad is a portrait sculpture depicting Governor Branstad with a warm and benevolent smile.

Within his gentle gaze shines not only the wisdom of one who sees the larger picture and plans far ahead, but also the calm composure and serenity of one who has weathered countless storms without losing inner peace.

His signature expression differs from that of most public figures. It conveys uncommon sincerity and quiet humility. In his smile one senses his openness and tolerance—an enduring charm that radiates from within like a soft and steady warmth.

The base of the sculpture adopts the imagery of a traditional bridge pier.

This symbolizes both his unmatched standing as the longest-serving governor in American history and his steadfast role—like a great bridge support—in sustaining the relationship between two great nations, China and the United States.