April 16, 2026 — A plaque honoring 15 fallen soldiers from South Cobb High School has been reinstalled to its rightful place outside the school's main entrance. The plaque had been taken down at some point and never rehung. However, one watchful eye kept track of it over the years.
"It was originally inside the lobby and was displaced during renovations," explained 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."
That moment finally came on March 27, the Friday before spring break. This date was chosen because Vietnam Veterans Day is March 29, and the plaque honors the South Cobb soldiers who fought and died in the Vietnam War, representing Classes of 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, and 1967.
Several South Cobb alumni were present for the ceremony, including Brig. Gen. Steven Blanton, Class of 1966. General Blanton gave heartfelt remarks about what it was like to live and serve during that time.
"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 said somberly.
The school's intention to reinstall the plaque was first announced at South Cobb's Veterans Day ceremony last November. On that day, the plaque was given a prominent place at center stage and was present as veterans of all ages were honored. It has since received tender loving care and some restoration before being placed on the school’s exterior wall.
"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," General Blanton said. "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."
Principal Perry agreed in his closing remarks as the plaque was being installed behind him.
"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. And any time you're around the area and you're able to come on campus, you will also be able to see this plaque. We want to acknowledge what has been and what can and will be done by those who serve," he said to applause from the appreciative veterans and attendees.
