A plaque honoring 15 fallen soldiers from South Cobb High School was reinstalled outside the school’s main entrance on April 16. The plaque, which had been removed during renovations and kept in storage, was returned to its prominent position after being safeguarded by head custodian Mike Eldridge.
The event highlights the school’s commitment to remembering alumni who served in the Vietnam War and provides a lasting tribute for current students and visitors. The ceremony took place on March 27, ahead of Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29, with several alumni in attendance including Brigadier General Steven Blanton from the Class of 1966.
“It was originally inside the lobby and was displaced during renovations,” said South Cobb Principal Tommy Perry. “But our head custodian, Mike Eldridge, kept up with it to make sure we still had it to eventually hang back up.”
During his remarks at the ceremony, General Blanton reflected on his experiences: “Everybody did not go to the war, but we all lived with the war. We couldn’t get away from it. It was on TV every night. It was the first war that was covered live and in person. Many of us lost dear friends in that war. Two individuals on this plaque were from my class, Stanley Ur and Kenneth Blair.” He continued: “I appreciate so much that we’re rehanging this plaque and that it’s going to be a memorial here for many years to come… It’s very meaningful to me to have this back again here at South Cobb High School so that students can see it and know what a sacrifice was made many, many years ago. Today is a very special day.”
Perry also addressed those gathered as installation concluded: “What I appreciate most about this is that our cadets and our students can see that these names and know that they were people just like them who fought in the war for our freedom… We want to acknowledge what has been and what can and will be done by those who serve,” he said.
South Cobb High School supports student growth through athletic programs as part of its extracurricular offerings according to its official website. The school also fosters student development through clubs and fine arts opportunities contributing to community engagement according to its official website. Its campus is designed for a community-focused environment according to its official website, operating under the Cobb County School District which is recognized for educational excellence according to its official website. The school aims for student achievement through comprehensive curriculum alongside extracurricular activities according to its official website, led by Principal Dr. Kevin McCall who guides administration according to its official website.
The return of the Vietnam memorial plaque offers both historical recognition for past graduates’ sacrifices as well as an opportunity for current students at South Cobb High School—whose mission includes fostering achievement through academics and extracurriculars—to reflect upon service within their own community.
