The Linsly School invites local media to attend the celebration of Louis Bennett, Jr. and The 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the WV Flying Corps, for a wreath-laying ceremony that will take place in conjunction with Linsly’s Alumni and Reunion Weekend on Friday, September 29, at 2:00 PM on Linsly’s campus in Banes Hall.
Dr. Charles D. Dusch, Jr., Class of 1977, who completed his doctoral dissertation on Louis Bennett, Jr., will begin the program in the cafetorium with a brief presentation. Following the presentation, there will be a school-wide procession to the Aviator Statue where U.S. Representative David B. McKinley and Wheeling Mayor and Linsly alum, Mr. Glenn S. Elliott, Jr., Class of 1990, will give remarks for the wreath-laying ceremony.
“The Aviator Statue represents an important piece of history for our community,” said Representative McKinley. “On the 100thAnniversary of the establishment of the West Virginia Flying Corps it is fitting that we recognize Louis Bennett, Jr., who founded the Corps and later gave his life in the fight for freedom. Bravery, service, and sacrifice, are all enduring qualities that matter now just as they did 100 years ago. I look forward to celebrating and honoring the memory of Louis Bennett and all that it stands for.”
The Aviator Statue, a bronze monument commemorating the brave life of WWI pilot, Louis Bennett, Jr., was given to Linsly Military Institute in 1925 by Mrs. Bennett, Louis’s mother, to commemorate the life of her son and all those who died in WWI. In 1968 the statue was moved from Thedah Place, at the time Linsly’s main building on National Road, to its current location outside of Banes Hall.
Today, the Aviator overlooks Linsly’s beautiful campus and serves as a constant reminder to our students and community. The inscription on the Aviator Statue Reads:
READY-TO-SERVE
TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY
OF ALL AMERICANS
WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES
IN THE WORLD WAR
1914-1918