Art contest sign dedicated at Freedom Memorial Plaza

Murphy – A new sign was dedicated for the Freedom Memorial Plaza on Friday after a winner was announced for the sign contest in May.

       Joy Wood, a rising 11th-grader at Andrews High School, won the contest and a $500 scholarship for college. The Town of Andrews and Andrews Chamber of Commerce – along with the Andrews Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7620, Marine Corps League Detachment 1011 and American Legion Post 96 – installed and dedicated the sign for the community.

       Freedom Memorial Plaza is on Chestnut Street behind Andrews Elementary School. There is a concrete wall and POW, United States and North Carolina flags as well as five military service flags.

       There is also a granite memorial for two residents that were killed in the pacific in World War II – Lt. Robert Wilhide and Lt. Wilfred Wilhide, both Marines Air Corps.

       Wood said she was able to enter her artwork through her Art II class taught by Deidre Davis. She used apps on her phone and computer to complete the colorful picture of the row of flags seen at the plaza.

       "It's so weird to see my piece on this big sign," Wood said while surrounded by family and friends. "It took a week to complete, and then I redid it before turning it in."

       Andrews Chamber of Commerce President Gail Horton recalled the first time the plaza was dedicated.

       "I remember the first time we dedicated this plaza, I brought my stepfather, a World War II veteran, and he wore his Navy cross. He was so excited and kept waving his flag," she said.

       "This plaza was a project organized by Roy Sargent, who raised funds and helped bring it to fruition. I remember he was delighted to get it done. We can remember our veterans and come up here to see the beautiful mountains."

        Everyone is encouraged to visit Freedom Memorial Plaza. There is seating to take in a beautiful scenic view of the mountains and Town of Andrews below.