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| The last day to request a name for the Soldiers & Sailors Tribute Wall is June 30. |
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| Alumni gather on the steps of Soldiers & Sailors to reminisce about their intramural days with the Ferocious Few. From left: Jim Walters, ’56; Rod Neely, ’56; and Walter Dick, ’56. |
June 30 Last Day to Add Names to Tribute Wall
Time is running out to add names to the Soldiers & Sailors Tribute Wall.
June 30 is the last day to add a name to be engraved on the wall.
Donors who contribute $25 or more to the restoration of the historical landmark may honor a loved one who served, or is serving, in the military. In return, Union will add the name of the donor’s loved one to the Tribute Wall, provide the donor with a keepsake certificate, and send an invitation to the unveiling of the Tribute Wall at the Soldiers & Sailors re-dedication ceremony on November 12, 2010.
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Gymnasium was built in 1919 as a living tribute to local military personnel, particularly those who died during service in World War I. Area residents gave as little as five dollars each to help fund the structure, which is now a nationally-registered historic building.
The building’s condition deteriorated over time. For several years, it was closed and not in use by students or community members.
College administration, however, had a vision of reviving the structure — once slated for destruction — and adding to its legacy by enabling it to honor more recent military service men and women.
“We’ve experienced so many other losses since 1919,” said Denise Wainscott, vice president of advancement. “The tri-counties and southeast Kentucky lost many good men and women in World War II and in each war and military effort since Soldiers and Sailors was built. We want to extend the building’s legacy to them, to their families, and to all those who have served and continue to serve.”
A well-attended celebration marked the re-opening of the main level in February. Ultimately, the main-level renovation will feature the new Tribute Wall, which will be unveiled during November’s re-dedication. The Tribute Wall will be engraved with the names of service men and women—past or present—whose names are submitted by loved ones.
To request a name, use Union’s secure online giving site (be sure to enter your loved one’s name), or contact Denise Wainscott at (606) 546-1218 or wainscott@unionky.edu.
Those who prefer mail may request a name for the Tribute Wall by sending their donation to:
Denise Wainscott,
Union College,
310 College St., Box D4
Barbourville, KY 40906.
Please include the following information: your name and contact information, the name of the person you are honoring, and the honoree’s branch of military service.
All Tribute Wall proceeds will be used to help complete the renovation process for the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Gymnasium.
