Ozzie, the first shot is outstanding, an excellent silhouette shot. The second is dramatic, that worm's eyeview works here, and the Oblation is nicely superimposed upon the Administration Building. The plane is a very lucky catch, as it adds whimsy nto the scene, as both seemingly have their arms open in supplication. If you decide to edit it out, it can easily be done in Photoshop using the Clone tool.
As for the "wristband", I would leave it there. It would make a nice conversation piece, as people familiar with this statue know that it is a place where some hang protest signs against the oppression, government or what have you.
Welcome to the forum! Glad to see another UP alumnus here.