This Veterans Day, the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club is proud to partner with the Civil Air Patrol, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Roanoke College, and the Salem Museum to memorialize the life of Audie Murphy. The most decorated U.S. soldier in history, Murphy tragically lost his life in a plane crash on Brush Mountain in 1971.
This year’s 55th-anniversary commemoration has been made possible through the incredible dedication and hard work of Barbara Blauvelt, a 92-year-old Civil Air Patrol veteran who was present on the flight that located the wreckage. We are honored to be joined by Barbara and two other surviving first responders to the crash for a special three-part series of events.
Wreath-Laying at the Audie Murphy Memorial
When: Saturday, November 7 at 10:00 AM
Where: Audie Murphy Memorial, Brush Mountain
We will meet at the trailhead parking on Brush Mountain for a 0.9-mile walk to the memorial on the AT. The Daughters of the American Revolution will lay a wreath, RATC member Gary Duerk will play Taps, and Roanoke College chaplain Chris Bowen will offer a prayer.
Driving directions: Carpooling is strongly encouraged, and low-clearance vehicles are not advisable.
From Roanoke/Salem: Take VA-311 North. At the Hanging Rock/Orange Market traffic circle, remain on VA-311. Continue 9 miles, then turn left onto VA-624. After 6.8 miles, turn RIGHT onto Brush Mountain Road (FS 188.1, gravel). Travel 1.7 miles, turn RIGHT remaining on the gravel road, continue 1.6 miles and park near the gate.
From Blacksburg: From N. Main and Mount Tabor Road (VA-624), go 12 miles on Mount Tabor Road. Turn LEFT onto Brush Mountain Road (FS 188.1). Go 1.8 miles, turn RIGHT remaining on the gravel road, continue 1.6 miles and park near the gate.
Free Showings of “To Hell and Back”
When: Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (Doors open 1 hour early)
Where: Grandin Theatre
Sponsored by the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club and the Civil Air Patrol, the Grandin Theatre will host two free public showings of To Hell and Back, the classic autobiographical film starring Audie Murphy as himself. This is a wonderful way to spend Veterans Day and learn about the life of an extraordinary American hero.
“Remembering Audie Murphy” Panel Discussion
When: Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 PM
Where: Salem Museum, 801 E. Main St., Salem
Following their Annual Member Reception, the Salem Museum will host a panel discussion on Murphy’s life and career. The panel will honor the first responders to the crash site 55 years ago, featuring personal recollections from Captain Lee Anthony, US Navy (retired), and Colonel Charles Glass, US Air Force (retired), about the recovery efforts on those dark days in Roanoke Valley history.
We hope you will join us for one or all of these events as we pay tribute to a true hero and the local citizens who responded to the tragedy.