Hill College Remembrance & Celebration Events and Concert

Hill College Presents Remembrance & Celebration Events and Concert
October 30 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.  115 Lamar Drive in Hillsboro, Texas

Thursday, October 30th 2025 (Updated)

5:30 pm Open House at Texas Heritage Museum featuring The American Revolution Experience Exhibit

6:30 pm Medal of Honor Walkway Brick Ceremony in the Performing Arts Center including a special armed forces medley sung by the Hill College Chorale honoring all veterans in attendance

7:00 pm Phillip H. Lowe Performing Arts Series featuring the Ryan Haines Combo
 
Official Press Release Hill College honors veterans with an evening of dedication, history, and music on October 30
 
Hillsboro, Texas—On October 30, 2025, Hill College will honor veterans with an evening of dedication, history, and music, including the fourth annual Medal of Honor Memorial Brick Ceremony; an open house for The American Revolution Experience, a traveling exhibit organized by the Fort Graham Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution at the Texas Heritage Museum; and special performances by the Hill College Chorale and the United States Air Force Band of the West “Dimensions in Blue” Jazz Band as part of the Phillip H. Lowe Performing Arts Series (PAS).
 
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Texas Heritage Museum with an open house for The American Revolution Experience, an exhibit that explores choices faced by members of the revolutionary generation as tensions mounted during the war in the 1770s. Through artifacts, drawings, audio, and touch-screen kiosks, The American Revolution Experience offers visitors an opportunity to investigate the journeys of Patriots and Loyalists, men and women, Black and Native populations, as well as international allies. The exhibit is on view at the museum through November 7, 2025.
 
This year’s ceremony recognizes the service of retired Captain Kenneth Dies, United States Army; retired Lieutenant Commander Devin Lewis, United States Navy; retired Major Chris McElrath, United States Army; Private First-Class Charles Farrell (deceased) United States Army; and Communications Sergeant John Tavares Jr. (deceased) United States Army.  
 
“Their courage, commitment, and strength continue to inspire us all. This brick placement serves as a meaningful tribute to their service and a reminder of the profound difference and sacrifice they made for our country,” said John Versluis, executive director & chief curator of the Texas Heritage Museum.
 
After the open house, the brick ceremony will take place at the Vara Martin Daniel Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Hill College Chorale, led by Hill College Director of Choirs & Associate Professor of Vocal Studies Dr. Chul Chang, which will perform the Armed Forces Medley, asking veterans from each branch to stand when they hear their anthem. The United States Air Force Band of the West “Dimensions in Blue” Jazz Band will conclude the evening’s events with a reception to follow.
 
“The Ryan Haines Combo (jazz quintet) will perform starting at 7 pm. Fronting the band will be two USAF veterans who have played, composed and led various USAF jazz ensembles, and members of the band have also performed with The O'Jays, Arturo Sandoval, Jon Faddis and with Tonight Show with Johnny Carson bandleader and trumpeter Doc Severinsen.  Bandleader Ryan Haines has put together an exciting program featuring many classic and modern jazz favorites, so this promises to be an exciting evening of music for all.
-said Professor of Music & Coordinator of Visual & Performing Arts Larry McCord.


 
About the Official Texas State Medal of Honor Memorial
The Official Texas State Medal of Honor Memorial was erected in 2008 and is a living memorial honoring native-born Texas veterans, including Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II, and Samuel Dealey, the most decorated sailor of World War II. The memorial currently honors 67 native-born Texans.
 
During his time at Hill College, President Dr. Thomas Mills and John Versluis have hosted an annual brick ceremony honoring veterans. This program allows individuals to sponsor a brick for veterans, family members, current or former students, or an organization.
 
Each year, sponsored bricks are placed in front of the Medal of Honor Memorial. Proceeds support the museum and maintenance of the memorial. If you are interested in purchasing a brick in honor of a loved one, please contact the museum at 254.659.7750 or visit hillcollege.edu and click on the Texas Heritage Museum tab.
 
Visitor Information
The Texas Heritage Museum is located at 112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, Texas, 76645. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., during Hill College fall and spring semesters. The Historical Research Center is open by appointment only. Please call 254.659.7750 for appointments and for more information about the museum.
The Texas Heritage Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
 
About the Phillip H. Lowe Performing Arts Series
The Phillip H. Lowe Performing Arts Series presents free-admission programs each year to students, faculty, staff, and the community. These programs bring outstanding performing artists of all genres to Hillsboro each year and, in addition to the concerts, allow those in attendance to interact with the artists in the receptions which follow each event.
 
For more information on the Phillip H. Lowe Performing Arts Series, please visit Performing Arts Series under the Campus Life tab at hillcollege.edu.