Bilbao, Spain: Parque Ramon Rubial

It seemed obvious that this statue marked someone very important in the history of Bilbao, since it is right next to the Guggenheim Museum - the top attraction in all of the city. It was less obvious who it was and what he did, thanks to the language barrier and all.

It turned out that it is a salute to Raomon Rubial. He was born in 1906, and fought in the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Rubial was captured a year later and sentenced to death, but that punishment was reduced and he was released in 1956. During his time in jail he became involved in politics, and thus was prepared to take a role in the affairs of the region. Rubial became a force for the Socialist Workers party, When Spain's dictatorship finally ended, he was ready to become a major player in the politics of the future of the region and the country.

Rubial is shown walking toward another bit of sculpture, the so-called "Gate of the Honorables." which has the effect of showing that his shadow is larger than his physical presence - a tribute to his influence on his native land. 

OK, now it all makes sense.