Cumberland University will host a rededication ceremony for its World War II Maneuvers Monument on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11 at 8 a.m.
The rededication of the monument comes after the opening of the new McClain Circle entrance to campus. The monument was removed during construction of the entrance and now has been prominently mounted and placed within McClain Circle.
The World War II Maneuvers were headquartered on the Cumberland University campus from the fall of 1942 through the spring of 1944. Approximately 850,000 soldiers from 25 U.S. Army divisions, made up the Red and Blue Armies, and trained for the war under combat conditions. During this time the Red and Blue “armies” faced each other in complex and realistic training exercises such as river crossings, terrain navigation and vehicle operations across Middle Tennessee.
“The Tennessee Maneuvers of World War II were such a meaningful part of Cumberland’s history and it’s important that we continue to honor our past as we look towards the future,” said Cumberland University President Dr. Paul C. Stumb. “Cumberland is honored to to show our gratitude to the Tennessee Maneuvers and all veterans this Veterans Day.”
The rededication ceremony will open with the Star Spangled Banner performed by the Cumberland University Singers led by Dr. Brian Kilian, and will include remarks from Commissioner Courtney Rogers of the Department of Veterans Services and Major General Jeffrey Holmes, The Adjutant General. Additionally, the university will dedicate a new plaque memorializing the 21 men that died in the last military exercise at Averitt’s Ferry. Colonel Shawn C. Cody and Command Sergeant Major John P. Ryan of the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, “Yankee Division” of Massachuestts, will represent these soldiers and read their names during the event. The event will include WWII era music, a vintage fly over and WWII reenactors.
Shuttles for the rededication ceremony will run from St. Frances Cabrini Church and Immanuel Baptist Church beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The Lebanon Veterans Day Parade will follow the ceremony.
For more information on this event, please contact Advancement Coordinator Julie Crocco at 615-547-1269 or advancement@cumberland.edu.