Blue Ridge
Official Publication of the
80th Division Veterans Asssociation, Inc.

Summer 2005 - v86, #345

Fort Benning, GA

1. In early March, the Florida Chapter approved the monument design at its Reunion meeting.

2. After the Florida meeting, Chairman O'Neil and committee members Futch and Burrows met with Fort Benning's museum officials in Columbus, Georgia.

3. Site for monument was selected. Application was submitted. Final approval was given in May 2005. Contract is to be signed by Archer Futch.

4. Present plan is to place the monument in front of the old museum with a Formal dedication in September 2006. If the new park and museum are completed it will he placed there. If not, the monument will he removed at no cost to the park at a later date.

5. With the dedication in mind, Bob Burrows set the reunion at the Columbus, Georgia Hilton in September 2006.

6. Cost of the monuments - Columbus Monument Company.

a. Cost of five-foot stone with smooth front and rough or apex sides $4,300
b. Cost of 12 x 42" x 20" foot stone is $1,000
c. Cost of Pad and site preparation at Fort Benning - $2,500
d. Total cost with shipping and other incidental costs is approximately $10,000

Arlington National Cemetery - Arlington, Virginia

1. Letter sent September 13, 2004 to the Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery.

2. Reply received September 24, 2004 advising that a Joint Resolution by Congress is required to place a Memorial Stone of this type in Arlington, Virginia.

3. Numerous letters were sent to Congressmen and Senators without positive results but still pending.

4. A contact by Cecelia Smith, descendant of the 80111 Division Veterans to Congressman Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania was received with a positive reaction and he is willing to present the resolution for action to Congress.

5. It was discovered that our Commanding General Horace McBride is buried approximately 20 yards down the road from John F. Kennedy's gravesite.

6. In order to replace his stone, approval must be obtained from his surviving next-of-kin.

7. Bob Murrell did extensive research to locate his closest surviving relative. The search found John Saxey, first cousin, and he has given approval to replace the McBride marker with our Memorial Stone.

8. Through a personal contact, this information has been presented to the Amencan Legion National office for their assistance.

9. Hope to have the approval by our August Reunion.

Respectfully submitted,
Eugene O'Neil Committee Chairman