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UAMS dedicated three new flag poles at a July 23 ceremony.
UAMS Salutes Veterans as it Dedicates New Flag Poles
| UAMS dedicated its three new flag poles and raised the U.S., Arkansas and UAMS flags during a July 23 ceremony.
UAMS dedicated three new flag poles at a July 23 ceremony.
After being rained out on July 18, the small crowd gathered just off Hooper Drive and Markham Street enjoyed sunny skies, a nice breeze and 72 degree temperatures for the ceremony.
“I can’t think of a better way to begin the day than by paying tribute to our servicemen and women as we dedicate our new flag poles and raise our country’s flag, and those of our state and university, here for the first time, said Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA.
He thanked the House of Delegates and the Academic Senate for their work in securing the new flag poles.
Sgt. Greg Oginski of the UAMS Police Department holds the U.S. flag.
“They brought to our attention the need for new flag pole for our U.S. flag and a location that is more befitting of the respect we have for our country and the people who serve it,” Patterson said. “Our police department has been very good about raising and lowering the flags when needed and taking care of it. They will continue to perform that service going forward.”
The new poles are taller than the previous ones and will be lighted at night so that UAMS can honor our country 24 hours a day, Patterson said.
He also recognized Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, who worked with the House of Delegates and Academic Senate to approve and purchase the flag poles while she was interim chancellor.
Annette Robinette, chair of the House of Delegates, said everyone in that organization is “honored that we could play a role in making these new flag poles a reality.”
Chancellor Cam Patterson (second from right) poses for a picture with the UAMS police officers and veterans who served as the color guard. (From left) Officer Michael Murphy, Sgt. Greg Oginski and Sgt. Will Brents.
“Raising this flag today is a symbol of our country and also of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women,” said Andy James, Ph.D., president-elect of the Academic Senate. “We just can’t ever thank them enough for their service.”
The presentation of the colors was handled by a color guard made up of three veterans on the UAMS Police Force. Sgt. William Brents, who served with the United States Marine Corps, Sgt. Greg Oginski and Officer Ryan Murphy, both of whom served with the United States Army, raised the U.S. flag as Yavonda Chase from Communications and Marketing sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The color guard also raised the Arkansas and UAMS flags, and then Patterson led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance to conclude the ceremony.