Contact: Maridith Geuder
A Nov. 15-18 Mississippi State University tribute to American military veterans will culminate with a recognition, assisted by former president George Bush, of former congressman G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery's career.
Bush will be part of Nov. 18 halftime ceremonies at the MSU-University of Arkansas football game at Scott Field which begins at 1:30 p.m. The program will honor Bush's longtime friend, a 1943 MSU graduate from Meridian whose 30-year House of Representatives career included authorship of a massive GI education bill that bears his name. Sponsors are the College of Arts and Sciences and the athletics department.
The former president will be making his second visit to MSU. In May 1989, he was the university's commencement speaker, an accomplishment due, in no small part, to Montgomery's efforts.
Third District representative 1966-96, Montgomery also is a retired Mississippi National Guard major general. His 35 years of active and reserve duty included World War II service in Europe and company command in the 31st National Guard Infantry Division during the Korean conflict.
"There is no more appropriate person to recognize during this celebration than the statesman who became known on Capitol Hill as 'Mr. Veteran,'" said MSU President Malcolm Portera.
In 1996, at Montgomery's retirement from Congress, MSU created the Montgomery Scholars Endowed Fund, which now produces approximately $55,000 annually for some 20 Montgomery Scholars.
"His influence on educational opportunities for Mississippians will extend for generations," Portera said, noting that more than 250 veterans at the university annually receive nearly $700,000 in Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
In addition to MSU and its Army and Air Force ROTC departments, this first organized "Salute to the Military" tribute is being sponsored by the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce. The programs are being held in conjunction with the nation's 50th anniversary observance of the Korean conflict.
Several days of veterans-involved campus activities will precede the Saturday game and ceremony. They include:
--A 3 p.m. history forum on the 15th led by MSU historian John F. Marszalek, an award-winning author of military works and a Vietnam War veteran. The public program in Simrall Hall auditorium will feature a round-table discussion, with audience participation, by veterans from each major conflict since World War II. A reception follows.
--A flags of Mississippi and retreat ceremony on the 16th at 4 p.m. on the Drill Field, followed at 4:30 by presentation of Republic of Korea War Service Medals to state veterans in the nearby Colvard Union ballroom. Maj. Gen. Colby M. Broadwater of Ft. Stewart, Ga., First Army deputy commanding general, will be keynote speaker. Starkville Mayor Mack Rutledge also will make remarks.
--A breakfast on the 18th for all MSU Reserve Officers Training Candidates, their parents and other family members sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences.
For more information on the MSU Salute to the Military events, telephone Capt. Mike Smith at (662) 325-3503.