The statue, created by Decatur artist John McClary, depicts Lincoln facing east toward Washington, bracing himself against the wind. With his right hand, Lincoln holds his coat closed. His left hand is extended in a welcoming gesture.

The bronze figure, which stands atop a pedestal that extends the total height of the piece to about 13 feet, balances Lincoln's tenacity with his compassion, said McClary, who unveiled the statue himself.

"He is grasping his coat against the weather, but it is also a symbol of his commitment to the Constitution," McClary said. "His other hand is open - his willingness to appeal to the American people."

The front of the pedestal includes an inscription taken from Lincoln's first inaugural address. It reads: "Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world?"

McClary, 70, ended up sculpting a different statue than the one he agreed to when he was offered the contract under Gov. George Ryan's administration, about five years ago.

Initially, McClary was going to show Lincoln digging with a shovel. He wanted to call it "Groundbreaking for Freedom."

"I liked it a whole lot, but with the new administration coming in - during the process, you meet with a lot of different people - I had to start all over again. But I'm very pleased," he said.

Although the process, from conception to completion, took five years, McClary said making the statue took about one year.

McClary was paid approximately $240,000 for his work, according to Dave Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which oversees the park.

Union Square Park, across from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on Sixth Street, is expected to open Saturday. The statue is at the southeast corner.

Pete Sherman can be reached at 788-1539 or pete.sherman@sj-r.com.