In memory of fallen soldier: Fort Oglethorpe intersection named for Navy officer Randall Smith.
Fort Oglethorpe intersection named for Navy officer Randall Smith
The T-shirt read “In Memory, America’s Fallen,” then listed the names of the five military members who lost their lives in shootings at two Chattanooga military sites a year ago this month.
The last name on the list, set apart from the others, was that of Randall Smith of the United States Navy.
On Saturday, July 16, friends and community of Angie Smith gathered at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School to honor her husband, Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith of the United States Navy, who lost his battle for life two days after being shot at the Naval Reserve Center in Chattanooga where he helped train new Navy recruits.
The memorial service to name the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Lakeshore Drive for Smith included vocal music, the haunting sounds of the bagpipe, speakers and a presentation of The Missing Man Table. Spiritual family, veterans, city, county and state officials, civic groups, clubs, local businesses, government agencies and individuals participated in and sponsored the service.
The event culminated outdoors with a parachute jump that
displayed a large American flag against the backdrop of a brilliant sun and soft blue sky as man and flag floated to earth.
Signs on Battlefield Parkway at the dedicated intersection read: USN Petty Officer Randall Smith Memorial Intersection.
Randall Smith paid the ultimate price in his service to his country. The markers on Battlefield Parkway are daily reminders to the rest of us to live worthy of the sacrifice he made for freedom.