Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

Honoring The Story Of “Bones Of My Grandfather”

WUTC

Published June 1, 2022 at 1:48 PM EDT

On Monday - Memorial Day - the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center here in Chattanooga added a new exhibit: a permanent installation on Alexander Bonnyman, Jr.

The Marine Corps officer - who grew up in Knoxville - was killed in the Pacific during World War II.

He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart - but his remains were recovered only within the past decade.

Clay Bonnyman Evans - his grandson - chronicles the search for those remains in his book, “Bones of My Grandfather.”

Clay Bonnyman Evans atop "Bonnyman's Bunker," where his grandfather was killed on November 22, 1943.

I spoke with Clay when he visited Chattanooga a few days ago for the unveiling of the Medal of Honor exhibit.

For more about the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center here in Chattanooga, visit mohhc.org.