Memorial Day 2016, Mountain Home VA Cemetery
Color Guard Members: Nichole Swink, Tina Le, Franklin Hyder & Skyler Burnett
Color Guard Members: Nichole Swink, Tina Le, Franklin Hyder & Skyler Burnett
SHHS Alumni Memorial Circle - May 24, 2013
Dedication Ceremony
Dedication Ceremony
Science Hill Dedicates New Veterans Memorial
May 24th, 2013 6:48 pm by MADISON MATHEWS
Science Hill High School’s newly-created Alumni Memorial Circle
The names of nearly 40 Hilltoppers were on the minds of many Friday morning as the sound the sound of “Taps” rang out at Science Hill High School’s newly-created Alumni Memorial Circle. In the center of the circle sits the Science Hill Veterans Memorial, which features the names of 38 veterans and alumni who were killed in battle.
A dedication ceremony for the memorial was held Friday, honoring the ‘Toppers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As the names of the veterans were read during the ceremony, Bob Bagby, a member of the class of 1943, laid roses at the memorial in remembrance of his three classmates who were killed during World War II. “It brings back lots of memories,” he said. “It’s nice to see them remembered.” Bagby himself served during the war. He said he hoped the memorial would encourage future generations of Hilltoppers to take pride in their country.
Col. Michael Johnson, commander of SHHS JROTC, told the story of Homer L. Pease, an Army veteran whose name appears on the memorial’s wall. Pease was just 13 years old when he enlisted to fight in World War II, according to Johnson. The veteran received many awards before returning to SHHS. Pease was killed in Vietnam. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is but one of the many stories embodied in this wonderful monument. This story and others simply must be remembered ... Theirs is a story worth permanent admiration as part of our collective heritage. They represent the best of the best and they are indeed worthy of this great honor today and forever,” Johnson said.
That’s exactly what project organizer and Science Hill alumna Theresa Billings hopes the community will take away from the memorial’s new home on campus. “I think this new Alumni Memorial Circle will be a gathering place for students and for their families and for all alumni to come back to think about their high school days and to reflect upon the sacrifice these 38 young men have given to them for freedom and Science Hill is a wonderful school,” she said.
The project took more than two years to complete and was completely funded through donations from the community. The city of Johnson City, General Shale, Mitch Cox Companies, Snyder Signs, Rustic Ridge Landscaping and Tennessee Flag Co. provided materials and labor for the memorial.
Friday’s dedication ceremony featured a variety of speakers, including City Commissioner and SHHS Alumni Association President Jenny Brock, Johnson City Mayor Ralph Van Brocklin, and U.S. Rep. Phil Roe.
Board of Education Chairwoman Kathy Hall also addressed the crowd, saying it was important for today’s students to remember the past as they prepare for the future.
“It is so important that we also remember our past and those bright and shining students who left our halls to fight for their country never to return. It is an important reminder to our students that life is precious and so is our freedom,” she said.
Science Hill High School’s newly-created Alumni Memorial Circle
The names of nearly 40 Hilltoppers were on the minds of many Friday morning as the sound the sound of “Taps” rang out at Science Hill High School’s newly-created Alumni Memorial Circle. In the center of the circle sits the Science Hill Veterans Memorial, which features the names of 38 veterans and alumni who were killed in battle.
A dedication ceremony for the memorial was held Friday, honoring the ‘Toppers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As the names of the veterans were read during the ceremony, Bob Bagby, a member of the class of 1943, laid roses at the memorial in remembrance of his three classmates who were killed during World War II. “It brings back lots of memories,” he said. “It’s nice to see them remembered.” Bagby himself served during the war. He said he hoped the memorial would encourage future generations of Hilltoppers to take pride in their country.
Col. Michael Johnson, commander of SHHS JROTC, told the story of Homer L. Pease, an Army veteran whose name appears on the memorial’s wall. Pease was just 13 years old when he enlisted to fight in World War II, according to Johnson. The veteran received many awards before returning to SHHS. Pease was killed in Vietnam. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is but one of the many stories embodied in this wonderful monument. This story and others simply must be remembered ... Theirs is a story worth permanent admiration as part of our collective heritage. They represent the best of the best and they are indeed worthy of this great honor today and forever,” Johnson said.
That’s exactly what project organizer and Science Hill alumna Theresa Billings hopes the community will take away from the memorial’s new home on campus. “I think this new Alumni Memorial Circle will be a gathering place for students and for their families and for all alumni to come back to think about their high school days and to reflect upon the sacrifice these 38 young men have given to them for freedom and Science Hill is a wonderful school,” she said.
The project took more than two years to complete and was completely funded through donations from the community. The city of Johnson City, General Shale, Mitch Cox Companies, Snyder Signs, Rustic Ridge Landscaping and Tennessee Flag Co. provided materials and labor for the memorial.
Friday’s dedication ceremony featured a variety of speakers, including City Commissioner and SHHS Alumni Association President Jenny Brock, Johnson City Mayor Ralph Van Brocklin, and U.S. Rep. Phil Roe.
Board of Education Chairwoman Kathy Hall also addressed the crowd, saying it was important for today’s students to remember the past as they prepare for the future.
“It is so important that we also remember our past and those bright and shining students who left our halls to fight for their country never to return. It is an important reminder to our students that life is precious and so is our freedom,” she said.
News & Neighbor Memorial Article
The new Science Hill Veterans Memorial located at the center of the newly renovated Alumni Memorial Circle was dedicated last Friday morning before a large crowd of Hilltopper alumni, friends, dignitaries and family members of the fallen veterans. The memorial is located at the flag pole, once the center of campus.
The Science Hill R.O.T.C. honor guard and cadets raised the American Flag and Alumni Memorial Circle Flag with the Hilltopper Band playing the Star Spangled Banner. Taps was played by students James Morrison and Anna Cade announcing the solemn ceremony.
After opening remarks by Jenny Brock, City Commissioner and SHHS Alumni Assoc. President, and others, Theresa Billings made the memorial presentation and tribute naming each of the Science Hill classmates killed in battle since World War II. The memorial is inscribed with thirty-eight classmate names who gave their lives in battle. World War II took 23 lives. Vietnam claimed 11 classmates, Korea three and most recently, Afghanistan taking one life.
As each name was read, a family member, friend or representative laid a single rose in recognition of the fallen classmate. Former military veterans saluted the memorial while family members silently said a thank you. One young little girl, who was named after her relative killed in Vietnam, laid her rose down and walked away wiping a tear from her eye.
Theresa Billings, a 1967 Science Hill High School alumna, was the guiding light and organizer for the memorial honoring the Hilltopper classmates. She was recognized for her persistent efforts in the project.
Billings also thanked fellow classmate, Jenny Brock, and shared that the memorial was completed without any funds. All materials and work were donated by area companies, individuals and businesses. They include: General Shale Brick; Mitch Cox Company; Snyder Signs; Rustic Ridge Landscaping; Tennessee Flag Company; Phil Pindzola and the City of Johnson City; Science Hill Principal, Melanie Riden-Bacon, SHHS. Many others also helped with the project which took two years to complete.
The new Science Hill Veterans Memorial located at the center of the newly renovated Alumni Memorial Circle was dedicated last Friday morning before a large crowd of Hilltopper alumni, friends, dignitaries and family members of the fallen veterans. The memorial is located at the flag pole, once the center of campus.
The Science Hill R.O.T.C. honor guard and cadets raised the American Flag and Alumni Memorial Circle Flag with the Hilltopper Band playing the Star Spangled Banner. Taps was played by students James Morrison and Anna Cade announcing the solemn ceremony.
After opening remarks by Jenny Brock, City Commissioner and SHHS Alumni Assoc. President, and others, Theresa Billings made the memorial presentation and tribute naming each of the Science Hill classmates killed in battle since World War II. The memorial is inscribed with thirty-eight classmate names who gave their lives in battle. World War II took 23 lives. Vietnam claimed 11 classmates, Korea three and most recently, Afghanistan taking one life.
As each name was read, a family member, friend or representative laid a single rose in recognition of the fallen classmate. Former military veterans saluted the memorial while family members silently said a thank you. One young little girl, who was named after her relative killed in Vietnam, laid her rose down and walked away wiping a tear from her eye.
Theresa Billings, a 1967 Science Hill High School alumna, was the guiding light and organizer for the memorial honoring the Hilltopper classmates. She was recognized for her persistent efforts in the project.
Billings also thanked fellow classmate, Jenny Brock, and shared that the memorial was completed without any funds. All materials and work were donated by area companies, individuals and businesses. They include: General Shale Brick; Mitch Cox Company; Snyder Signs; Rustic Ridge Landscaping; Tennessee Flag Company; Phil Pindzola and the City of Johnson City; Science Hill Principal, Melanie Riden-Bacon, SHHS. Many others also helped with the project which took two years to complete.