VCU School of Dentistry to Hold Military Salute to D.D.S. Class of 1951

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry will hold a military salute ceremony for the 46 members of the D.D.S. class of 1951 as part of the school’s three-day 2011 reunion alumni weekend.

The ceremony will take place Saturday, April 16 at 3:30 p.m. in the Lyons Building, 520 N. 12th St.

The members of the D.D.S. Class of 1951 represent the only class in history of the VCU School of Dentistry to be made up entirely of veterans. This year marks the 60-year reunion for the class.

All class members were veterans of World War II and served in the various branches of the armed services with both European and Pacific Theater action. Of the original class, 14 members remain and some of these alumni may be present for the reunion.

The committee planning the event is made up of 16 dental faculty members who are current and former members of the various branches of service. The faculty members are joined by 24 dental students who, upon graduation, will serve in the armed forces.