RICHMOND, Ky. (May 23, 2024) — Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will honor fallen veterans during an event held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024, as a part of EKU’s Fallen Soldier Dog Tag Project. EKU unveiled its new Veterans Memorial in November of 2023. The memorial displays the American flag and the service flags to represent the branches of the military; a granite slate with the inscribed names of those who have given their lives while serving; benches dedicated by veterans and their families; and the Fallen Soldier Cross statue.
EKU’s Fallen Soldier Cross statue honors those who lost their lives outside of combat. Dog tags hang from the statue in remembrance of someone lost, regardless of how and when, with the idea of creating a “wind chime” effect as tags brush across the stainless-steel globe. EKU’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs requested nominations for new dog tag additions to the Fallen Soldier Cross statue.
On Memorial Day, EKU will add the dog tags of eight fallen soldiers to the Fallen Soldier Cross statue during the ceremony. Those being honored include:
Brett P. Benton, 1974-2011
Fred Edwards, 1946-2023
James Lee Farris, 1940-2017
Henry Gerald Gish, MIA on March 3, 1968
Rufus O. Harris, 1924-2006
Terry A. Morris, 1950-2019
Ben Tureman, 1924-1993
Clark Whitt, 1947-2019
WHAT: EKU Memorial Day Event: “Honoring the Fallen”
WHEN: Monday, May 27, 2024, at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Eastern Kentucky University
Veterans Memorial in Carloftis Garden
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
Carloftis Garden is near the intersection of Lancaster and Park Drive in front of the new Martin Hall. Designated parking for visitors is available at the Veterans Memorial.
SPEAKERS: Dr. Robert Vickers, EKU alumnus and retired U.S. Army Chaplain
Berea Mayor Bruce Farley
CONTACT: Sarah Baker, EKU’s director of public relations, at media@eku.edu or 859-582-9260.
