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August 24, 2005 - The ceremony of dedication for the Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Highway was held Saturday morning, August 20, 2005, at the historical Union County Courthouse. The event was co-sponsored and hosted by the Byron Herbert Reece Society and the Union County Historical Society. Everyone anticipated the unveiling of the new highway signs and listened with attention as Dr. John Kay, Chairman of the Reece Society, introduced the dignitaries.

First, the President of the Historical Society, Ms. Betty Jane Shuler, welcomed everyone. She noted how the historical courthouse was the perfect place to hold the dedication ceremony. Next Dr. Kay returned to the podium and introduced Dr. Bettie Sellers, former poet laureate of the state of Georgia and one of the foremost Reece scholars.

Dr. Sellers spoke a few words about Byron Herbert Reece and read one of his poems. Her poetry reading was a highlight of the ceremony. She described Reece as a self-educated man with a mind like a sponge. She said, "Reece was a man of talent, a man with heart, and is an important part of our heritage in North Georgia." In her closing remarks she added, "We do well to honor him today."

State Representative Charles Jenkins and State Senator Chip Pearson were invited to make a few remarks. Representative Jenkins told how Resolution 295 passed in the house with a vote of 157 to 0. Special recognition and thanks were given to Mr. Mike Giles, the Vice President of the Georgia Poultry Federation. "Mike is our right arm down at the Capitol. I feel that this thing would not have been approved if not for Mike." Senator Pearson expressed that he felt privileged to represent the most beautiful district in the state. He also thanked Mr. Giles for his contribution at the Capitol.

Commissioner Lamar Paris was given the honor of unveiling the Department of Transportation sign. It was neon green, with large white letters that read, "BYRON HERBERT REECE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY." Commissioner Paris gave an impressive speech that ended with these words, "This very worthwhile cause is not only important to the people of Union and Towns Counties and North Georgia, but also to the state of Georgia and the whole Southeast", which referred not only to the Reece Memorial Highway, but also to the Reece Historic Cultural Interpretive Center.

Dr. Kay returned to the podium and explained that placement of the signs would be up to the DOT, but one sign would probably be installed on Neels Gap near the Walasi-Yi Center. He then introduced Mr. Fleming Weaver, Chairman of the Reece Farm Development Committee.

Mr. Weaver thanked Dr. Kay for his contributions to the Reece Society and asked members of the Reece family to come forward.

Mr. Steven Reece, a member of the Reece Society board of directors, talked about his uncle "Hub", and the honor and excitement this event brings to his family, Union County, and the state of Georgia. He introduced the other members of the Reece family and expressed thanks to everyone for taking an interest in preserving the legacy of Byron Herbert Reece.

Mr. Weaver presented the Reece family with small versions of the DOT signs to keep as reminders of the occasion and as tokens of appreciation. He then made copies of Resolution 295 and brochures about the Reece Historic Interpretive Center available to the audience. Mr. Weaver acknowledged Mr. Garland Reynolds and thanked him for doing a fine job as architect of the Reece Farm Development Project. He also thanked Commissioner Paris and Larry Garrett for their hard work

Dr. Kay was last to speak. He expressed appreciation to the DOT for preparation and installation of the signs. Dr. Kay closed the ceremony with a short prayer of blessing, "...today as we have celebrated the dedication of this stretch of highway to his memory (Byron Herbert Reece), we pray that those who travel it will henceforth do so in safety." Dr. Kay then pointed out the charts and drawings, and invited everyone to stay for refreshments provided by the ladies of the Historical Society.

Speakers were available after the dedication ceremony to answer questions about the Reece Memorial Highway, The Reece Historic Interpretive Center, and Reece Family Farm.

The actual stretch of newly dedicated highway is located on the section of Hwy 19/129 South that runs from the Union County Historical Courthouse to Neels Gap. (Locals have always called it "Gainesville Highway".) Now this section of highway has an official new name, The Byron Herbert Reece Memorial Highway. For more information visit the Reece Society Web site at www.byronherbertreecesociety.org.

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