The Augusta Museum of History is gearing up for its 14th annual Jimmie Dyess Symposium as the new year approaches.
The yearly seminar honors the legacy of Marine Lt. Col. Jimmie Dyess, by recognizing distinguished individuals who have displayed similar courage in both military and civilian life.
The museum invites honorees, including recipients of the Jimmie Dyess Distinguished American Award. Current servicemembers, veterans and civilians alike are encouraged to attend the free, one-hour event.
“One year we had a prediction of snow, and we had a little over 200,” said Nancy Glaser, director of the Augusta Museum of History. “And when the weather is great, we can have as many as 300 to 360. So it’s a well-attended event.”
This year, guests invited to speak include Clint Bryant, the celebrated Augusta University athletic director who retired in 2022 after 34 years, Nancy Hussey, known for rocking babies to sleep as a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and James McCloughan, a Michigan high school teacher who received the Medal of Honor in 2017 for his life-saving actions as an Army combat medic during the Vietnam War.
“These people are so special because they don’t understand why they’re being honored,” Glaser said. “They don’t think they did anything special.”
Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Perry Smith, who flew 180 combat missions over Laos and North Vietnam in the Vietnam War, will present introductory remarks.
The symposium began in 2010 after a group of individuals — including Smith, a member of the museum’s board of trustees — approached Glaser with the idea of establishing a special event in tribute to Dyess’ memory.
The 14th Annual Jimmie Dyess Symposium will be in the rotunda at the Augusta Museum of History, 560 Reynolds St., on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 5 p.m.
“It starts exactly at five o’clock, and it is over exactly at six o’clock,” noted Glaser.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
