Plaque honoring vets back on display

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - A recently restored plaque honoring individuals who attended South Norfolk High School and served in the armed forces during World War II found a new home Thursday in the South Norfolk Memorial Library.

Raymond Harper, a World War II veteran and graduate of South Norfolk, not only has his name on the plaque but is largely responsible for the survival of the memorial.

"I think there's something like 576 names on there," Harper told WAVY News 10 during Thursday's dedication ceremony.

Originally displayed in the hall of South Norfolk High School, Harper says the plaque almost ended up in the trash when they demolished the school.

"They were going to throw it away," said Harper.

But along with the aid of Chesapeake city officials, Harper had the plaque restored in Richmond and moved to the library. A fitting location since the original South Norfolk Memorial Library was dedicated to all the veterans of World War II in 1958.

Elwood Scott, also a World War II veteran, attended the dedication. For him, seeing the plaque bearing the names of old friends again was both sweet and bitter.

"You feel the ones that are here," said Scott. "I cry when I see the ones that are not here."

Dr. Raymond James says the plaque is important to all Americans, not just those who attended South Norfolk High.

"They saved America," said James. "They made it free and great and strong and that's why we're all here today."

The plaque is on permanent display at South Norfolk Memorial Library, 1100 Poindexter Street, Chesapeake.