UTM to host Memorial Day commemoration

Vietnam War veteran Walter Michael (Mike) Davis Sr. will be the guest speaker at the University of Tennessee at Martin 13th annual Memorial Day Commemoration set for 9 a.m. Friday at the Hall-Moody Administration Building entrance.
Davis worked as director of the UT Martin Physical Plant from 1990 until his retirement in 2004. He served four years in the Navy from 1966-69.
In 1968, during the heat of the Vietnam War, he served as a sailor aboard the hospital ship USS Sanctuary AB 17, a short 300-400 yards off the coast of Vietnam. The Sanctuary was the front line for helicopter pilots of both the Marine Corps and the Army to bring casualties from battlefields.
Davis will share some of his memories and experiences while serving on the flight deck crew.
Maj. Christopher McDaniel, of the UT Martin Department of Military Science and Leadership, will serve as master of ceremonies. Dr. Roberto Mancusi, assistant professor of music, will perform the national anthem, and Phil Dane, director of intercollegiate athletics will offer the invocation.
Rodney Free, instructor of communications, will give the benediction, and Dr Jerald Ogg, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, will welcome guests. The UT Martin Army ROTC Battalion will present the colors before the ceremony and Sgt. 1st Class Michael Maples will present “Taps” at the end of the observance. The university’s Department of Public Safety and Martin Police Department will also honor area veterans with a gun salute.
The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Hardy M. Graham Stadium parking lot directly across the Hall-Moody Administration Building. Eastbound and westbound traffic on University Street in front of
The administration building, will be stopped briefly as the flag ceremony begins and during the gun salute. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the student Life Center.

Published in The WCP 5.21.13