Winterset, Iowa has honored its favorite son by dedicating a life-size statue of John Wayne.

Wayne was born Marion Morrison in Winterset on May 26, 1907. He died June 11, 1979.

The town’s celebration marking the centennial of the actor’s birth
in 2007 has blossomed into an annual two-day event in May. At Friday’s kickoff, organizers unveiled an estimated 800-pound bronze statue of the Oscar-winning star that was sculpted in 1981.

Wayne’s daughter, Aissa Wayne, flew in from Los Angeles to attend the dedication. Organizers planned to screen John Wayne movies during the weekend event, including “The Alamo,” in which Aissa also appeared.

– The Associated Press