Veterans Commemoration Events at Hill College

Hill College's next Performing Arts Series continues next with a dedication to veterans, and it's going to be a night full of fun in collaboration with the Texas Heritage Museum!

5pm: Texas Heritage Museum Open House
6:30 pm: Medal of Honor Brick Ceremony
7:00 pm: Reed Quintet of the United States Air Force Band of the West will take the stage


 

Hillsboro, TX

On November 12, 2024, Hill College will honor United States veterans with a Veterans Day Commemoration: An Evening of Dedication and Music, including an open house for the new exhibit at the Texas Heritage Museum, the third annual Medal of Honor Memorial Brick Ceremony, and a special performance from the Reed Quintet of the United States Air Force Band of the West.

Starting the evening off at 5 p.m., the museum will host an open house highlighting the new exhibit entitled Army Air Corps & USAF Featured Artifacts, featuring Army Air Corps and United States Air Force artifacts of navigational and personal items, uniforms, insignia, pendants, and other objects with Texas military involvement.

“Army Air Corps & USAF Featured Artifacts showcases this special collection that highlights Texas’ deep connection to the United States Air Force and honors those who have served,” said John Versluis, executive director and chief curator of the Texas Heritage Museum. “We look forward to welcoming visitors and providing them with a deeper understanding of our military heritage and the significant role Texans have played in the history of our armed forces.”

This year’s brick ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. and will recognize Colonel Charles (Chuck) Schneider, United States Air Force, honorably discharged; Senior Airman Isaias Flores III, United States Air Force, honorably discharged; Staff Sargent, Allen Dillman, United States Air Force, honorably discharged; William Walcutt, Private, 5th Maryland Regiment, deceased, served in the United States Revolutionary War.

“Each of these honorees represents the strength, courage, and commitment of those who serve. This brick placement is a small but powerful tribute to their lasting impact on both their service and our nation,” said Versluis.

After the brick ceremony, as a part of the Phillip H. Lowe Performing Arts Series, the Reed Quintet of the United States Air Force Band of the West will take the stage at 7 p.m. at the Vara Martin Daniel Performing Arts Center with a reception for all honorees and attendees to follow.

“Led by Major Justin W. Lewis, the Reed Quintet is a musical group with an outstanding record of achievement, made up of highly trained musicians who have dedicated themselves to serving their country through music. Travelling more than 125,000 miles annually and performing hundreds of events to military and civilian audiences throughout the Southeastern United States and Puerto Rico, the organization is made up of both large and small ensembles of various types enabling the United States Air Force Band of the West to perform practically any style of music from classical and country to marches and mambos. They have performed for presidents, heads of state, and dignitaries from around the world, earning an outstanding reputation among America’s military bands,” said Larry McCord, instructor of music.

About the Texas Heritage Museum
By serving an active role in the educational and service missions of Hill College, the Texas Heritage Museum brings increasing national and international prestige to the college. The museum’s mission is to explore Texas and Texans during wartime and how those experiences affect us today. The museum is comprised of three divisions: the Galleries & Collection, the Historical Research Center, and the Hill College Press. It is also the home of the Official Texas State Medal of Honor Memorial to Native-Born Texans, which honors Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II, and Samuel Dealey, the most decorated sailor of World War II, as well as other native Texans who demonstrated courage and character in times of war. 

To become a member of the museum and support future exhibits and educational programs, visit hillcollege.edu and click on the Texas Heritage Museum tab.

About the Official Texas State Medal of Honor Memorial
The Official Texas State Medal of Honor Memorial was erected in 2008 and is a living memorial honoring native-born Texas veterans, including Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II, and Samuel Dealey, the most decorated sailor of World War II. Under Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills, the college hosts an annual brick ceremony honoring veterans. This program allows individuals to sponsor a brick for veterans, family members, current or former students, or an organization.

Each year, sponsored bricks are placed in front of the Medal of Honor Memorial. Proceeds support the museum and maintenance of the memorial. If you are interested in purchasing a brick in honor of a loved one, please contact the museum at 254.659.7750 or visit hillcollege.edu and click on the Texas Heritage Museum tab.

Visitor Information
The Texas Heritage Museum is located at 112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, Texas, 76645. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., during Hill College fall and spring semesters. The Historical Research Center is open by appointment only. Please call 254.659.7750 for appointments and for more information about the museum.

The Texas Heritage Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

About the Phillip H. Lowe Performing Arts Series
The Phillip H. Lowe Performing Arts Series presents free-admission programs per year to students, faculty, staff, and the community. These programs bring outstanding performing artists of all genres to Hillsboro each year and, in addition to the concerts, allow for those in attendance to interact with the artists in the receptions which follow each event.