A couple of weeks ago I posted about my efforts to get the old WW2 memorial plaques that once hung in Old Morrison Chapel on Transylvania University’s campus located and re-installed. This past Wednesday the leadership of Transy exceeded my expectations.
I was notified by President Dr. John Williams that they had been found. A few days later one of his staff, Shella called me to let me know they were planning an unveiling ceremony for re-installment. So, wow. Very nice, yet unexpected. I was pleased and she told me to invite my family. A list was made, addresses sent to her for my family to come and be there with me. Another few days later she called again and asked me to speak. Yikes! However, I started this thing and it was only appropriate that I get up there in front of people and say thank you to the people who helped make this effort come to fruition. I told her yes, I would speak, but keep my remarks short.
My remarks were to be added into a program to be given out to attendees. A program? You give programs out for important events. I was getting a little nervous, yet so thrilled that the effort to restore the plaques to their rightful place was being taken seriously.
We arrived at the chapel about half an hour before the ceremony, put away coats and spent time talking with President Williams, his staff and a few people I didn’t expect – Rolling Thunder KY Chapter 5. Another of his staff, Megan had once worked for Veteran’s Affairs and knew of the role of Rolling Thunder in honoring POW/MIA families. I had heard of Rolling Thunder, yet wasn’t really knowledgeable of their mission and activities. I was soon to learn.
Also invited was a representative of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Patrick Sinclair, and from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, Candace Bradley. Again, unexpected and a very pleasant surprise. They were very sweet, great to speak with and I’m so glad they were included.
The photo of the program goes through the ceremony, so I won’t reiterate that. What was a complete and total surprise was what happened with Rolling Thunder. I knew they were to be part of the ceremony, yet completely missed the meaning of the flag presentation as listed on the program. I had no idea they meant to give one to me. As it was presented to me, wide eyed and crying I was a bit in shock. They then saluted me as a gentleman named Patrick played Taps on a bugle. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I have never been so in shock or so honored. On behalf of my uncle and the 38 other men whose names are on the plaque, I couldn’t have been prouder.
There was a very nice reception afterwards and a chance to speak with many of the attendees. Some things were made very clear to me. First, when you build a project such as this and start having success, it feels great, really the best. But when you have other people who tell you that it actually means something to them – it can be daunting. There’s a sense of pride, yet discomfort because now you feel you have certain expectations, something to live up do. You don’t want to let people down. And so far, I feel the others who have come along on this journey, we’re all on the same page. These folks at the ceremony were these people as well, and kept telling me they admired my persistence in getting the plaques found and put back up. It’s really hard to come up with words to describe how I felt. Let me just say I will keep at it. There’s more to be done and one more plaque to be placed in the waters of the Kula Gulf. Once that’s done, well we’ll see.
Thanks to my family for being there, first my most devoted supporter and husband of nearly 40 years, Greg; my sister Jamie and hubby Jim; Mom; daughter Emily, hubby Matt and grandson Alister. Thanks again to Dr. Williams, Kristin, Megan and Shella! You too B.J.!
Tammi
*Photos to follow
I was notified by President Dr. John Williams that they had been found. A few days later one of his staff, Shella called me to let me know they were planning an unveiling ceremony for re-installment. So, wow. Very nice, yet unexpected. I was pleased and she told me to invite my family. A list was made, addresses sent to her for my family to come and be there with me. Another few days later she called again and asked me to speak. Yikes! However, I started this thing and it was only appropriate that I get up there in front of people and say thank you to the people who helped make this effort come to fruition. I told her yes, I would speak, but keep my remarks short.
My remarks were to be added into a program to be given out to attendees. A program? You give programs out for important events. I was getting a little nervous, yet so thrilled that the effort to restore the plaques to their rightful place was being taken seriously.
We arrived at the chapel about half an hour before the ceremony, put away coats and spent time talking with President Williams, his staff and a few people I didn’t expect – Rolling Thunder KY Chapter 5. Another of his staff, Megan had once worked for Veteran’s Affairs and knew of the role of Rolling Thunder in honoring POW/MIA families. I had heard of Rolling Thunder, yet wasn’t really knowledgeable of their mission and activities. I was soon to learn.
Also invited was a representative of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Patrick Sinclair, and from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, Candace Bradley. Again, unexpected and a very pleasant surprise. They were very sweet, great to speak with and I’m so glad they were included.
The photo of the program goes through the ceremony, so I won’t reiterate that. What was a complete and total surprise was what happened with Rolling Thunder. I knew they were to be part of the ceremony, yet completely missed the meaning of the flag presentation as listed on the program. I had no idea they meant to give one to me. As it was presented to me, wide eyed and crying I was a bit in shock. They then saluted me as a gentleman named Patrick played Taps on a bugle. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I have never been so in shock or so honored. On behalf of my uncle and the 38 other men whose names are on the plaque, I couldn’t have been prouder.
There was a very nice reception afterwards and a chance to speak with many of the attendees. Some things were made very clear to me. First, when you build a project such as this and start having success, it feels great, really the best. But when you have other people who tell you that it actually means something to them – it can be daunting. There’s a sense of pride, yet discomfort because now you feel you have certain expectations, something to live up do. You don’t want to let people down. And so far, I feel the others who have come along on this journey, we’re all on the same page. These folks at the ceremony were these people as well, and kept telling me they admired my persistence in getting the plaques found and put back up. It’s really hard to come up with words to describe how I felt. Let me just say I will keep at it. There’s more to be done and one more plaque to be placed in the waters of the Kula Gulf. Once that’s done, well we’ll see.
Thanks to my family for being there, first my most devoted supporter and husband of nearly 40 years, Greg; my sister Jamie and hubby Jim; Mom; daughter Emily, hubby Matt and grandson Alister. Thanks again to Dr. Williams, Kristin, Megan and Shella! You too B.J.!
Tammi
*Photos to follow
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