DEVILS TOWER - For Mako Miller, a new sculpture at Devils Tower National Monument represents a connection to people across the globe. The third piece in a world peace project, Miller said the Wind Circle sculpture is a significant showcase of unity.

"I truly feel all of us are citizens of a very fragile world," said Miller, who is Honorary Consul General of Japan and lives in Casper. "This is something constructive and positive."

As the new interpretive site called "Tribal Connections" opens at Devils Tower National Monument, the Wind Circle sculpture will be a unique draw for visitors. Symbolizing the smoke from a peace pipe floating towards the sky to join other prayers across the world, Devils Tower National Monument Superintendent Dorothy FireCloud said she expects Wind Circle's unveiling at 1 p.m. Saturday will bring visitors from around the globe.

FireCloud said the sculpture is the centerpiece of the new interpretive site and was donated by internationally renowned Japanese sculptor Junkyu Muto.

A representation of "prayers connected to represent world peace," FireCloud said Wind Circle is the third sculpture by Muto to be placed at a significant site. The first sculpture was placed at the Vatican in 2000, and the second was placed near the Bodhi Tree in Bodhi Gaya, India, in 2005. Four to six more sculptures are expected to be placed at other significant sites throughout the world. The nation's first national monument, Devils Tower is a sacred site for regional American Indian tribes and a renowned attraction for international visitors.

"It's his vision to place these pieces in significant prayer sites for different people," FireCloud said.

Throughout the week, FireCloud said Muto and monument staff have been erecting the sculpture, which will extend about 12 feet high. The project has been in the works for several months and FireCloud said it's exciting to see it all come together.

"It's been a lot of work," she said. "To have one of the sculptures represented across the world is really something."

Located near Devils Tower's picnic area and campground, FireCloud said a peaceful place was chosen for the interpretive site so visitors could enjoy quiet moments, whether in prayer or with family.

"We didn't want it right at the Tower itself because of tribal concerns," FireCloud said.

The unveiling of Wind Circle itself is expected to bring visitors from across the world, including state officials and representatives from Japan.

"We know that 40 to 50 people are traveling from Japan for the ceremony," she said. "We expect a couple hundred people here for the unveiling."

During the ceremony, tribal drum groups from Pine Ridge and Northern Cheyenne, Wind River tribal dancers, Japanese Taiko Drummers and singers and local Western singers will all perform. Recently honored by the United Nations, Chief Arvol Looking Horse will present information on his world peace and prayer day activities.

As the new interpretive site opens, FireCloud said it will provide a venue for ranger programs discussing the connections with more than 20 affiliated tribes and Devils Tower. FireCloud said Tribal Connections addresses improvement of education and informational programs of the historic uses of the monument as defined in the 1995 Final Climbing Management Plan. Hugh Hawthorne, the monument's new chief of interpretation, will develop new programs through consultation with the affiliated tribes.

Excited to be there when the moment Wind Circle is unveiled, Miller said she is eager to meet the sculptor and be part of a moment that will make history, connecting the United States with the rest of the world.

"This is a historical incident," she said. "It's very exciting to me."