'Boots To Books' Veterans Memorial Unveiled at Gwinnett Tech

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA --Gwinnett Technical College marked Memorial Day weekend by unveiling an on-campus memorial to veterans.

The memorial's centerpiece features the bronzed boots and dog tags of Marine Sgt. John Thomas (J.T.) Stokes -- a recent graduate of Gwinnett Tech's Radiologic Technology program.

The boots sit atop three textbooks, symbolizing the transition many veterans make from enlistment to education. The bronze piece sits on a granite pedestal carved with the inscription, "Honoring Veterans Past, Present and Future."

Two reflection benches face the memorial.

The custom-crafted memorial stands on the front lawn of the Lawrenceville campus just outside of Building 100, which houses the school’s Office of Veterans Affairs.

Five flagpoles encircle the memorial, flying the flags of each branch of the U.S. armed forces.

"This ‘Boots to Books’ monument symbolizes Gwinnett Tech’s efforts to welcome and provide as much assistance as possible to our veterans as they make their transition to a new phase of their life and second great, successful career," Gwinnett Tech President D. Glen Cannon said at the ceremony.

"We are proud of our educational programs, grateful for all those who served in the military, thrilled to help in some small way to repay them for their service, and ready and willing to welcome them into our GTC family.”