Upper Columbia Academy (UCA) in Spangle, Wash., began its recent homecoming weekend by honoring Vietnam-era military veterans with a special monument dedication Sept. 29, 2017.
More than 200 alumni, veteran families and friends joined the UCA Choraliers, Symphony Orchestra and Octet gathered outside to recognize the 122 known alumni service men and women who served our country during the Vietnam era, 1960–1975. During the service a monument was dedicated to honor those who served.
The newly erected monument sits proudly on the UCA commons between the administration building and the cafeteria. The gold-lettered, black granite monument resulted from the vision of Michael Walter, retired brigadier general from the class of 1966, and his classmates Bud Smick and Marlene Livingston Curry.
Many of the veterans attending had not returned to campus for quite some time. Other attendees, like Gary Mehling's widow, attended in remembrance. During the ceremony and video tribute that followed, tears trickled down cheeks as people remembered the sacrifices that have been made and those no longer living. Michael Anthony, class of 1970, shared that he last heard taps played at his son’s funeral.
The dedication was a moving and healing experience for many. Walter said, "I spoke with a veteran who reluctantly attended the dedication at the urging of his psychiatrist. He returned Sabbath morning after experiencing his first full night of sleep since the war." It was a privilege to welcome the UCA alumni veterans home.
Homecoming continued after the dedication with vespers and more events Sabbath, when 850 people united to celebrate in worship. A special offering of more than $16,000 was received to help with the current year's need of $98,000 for tuition assistance for returning students. When this offering is combined with a $49,000 matching pledge, UCA only needs $32,835.
The final alumni homecoming event was a Sunday morning pancake breakfast and flag football, during which the UCA all-stars defeated the alumni team. As the campus emptied, UCA was left with the verbal affirmations from alumni who expressed gladness for so many things throughout the weekend. The alumni repeatedly shared how thrilled they are that UCA is so strongly committed to connecting students to Jesus Christ, an important part of their UCA experience.
Veterans gathered afterward for photos around the new monument on the UCA commons.
The UCA Choraliers, Symphony Orchestra and Octet all participated in the dedication service.
More than 200 people, including veterans and their families, gathered in the shadow of the water tower to honor those alumni who served during the Vietnam era.
After the dedication alumni veterans stood around visiting and admiring the new monument that honors those who served.
Michael Walter, retired brigadier general from the class of 1966, thanked veterans for their service and remembered those who are no longer living.
The new memorial monument bears the known names of all alumni who served during the Vietnam era, 1960–1975.
An honor guard posted the United States colors at the beginning of the dedication service
The class of 1947 gathered for a 70-year reunion photo.
The monument was made possible by generous donations of many people who love UCA.
