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"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.

In Conversation: Sammy L. Davis and the Medal of Honor

Sammy L. Davis at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Center in Chattanooga - in March 2024.
Kenny Turpen / MOHHC
Sammy L. Davis at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Center in Chattanooga - in March 2024.

Sammy L. Davis served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

In 1968, he received the Medal of Honor - this nation’s highest military award for valor - presented to him by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House.

Ever seen the movie “Forrest Gump”?

You might recognize footage from Sammy’s award ceremony that - thanks to Hollywood magic - becomes Forrest’s ceremony with LBJ.

Chattanooga is home to the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center - and last week, Sammy visited this city during Medal of Honor Week at the center, where I had the chance to speak with him.

Sammy L. Davis, at right - with Ray Bassett, at left - at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Center in Chattanooga in March 2024.
Kenny Turpen / MOHHC
Sammy L. Davis, at right - with Ray Bassett, at left - at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Center in Chattanooga in March 2024.

Ray is the host and producer of Scenic Roots, Mondays - Thursdays at 3 PM on WUTC.
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  • A public forum will be held on the past, present and future of the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District - Thursday, April 11th from 5 PM to 7 PM in the Skyline Loft at Ruby Falls. Tricia Mims is executive director of the nonprofit National Park Partners.
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  • “Out at Sea” is the final production of this season from UTC Theatre Co. here on our campus, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The absurdist play runs Tuesday, April 9th through Saturday, April 13th at the Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage at UTC’s Fine Arts Center.
  • Each month, SoundCorps - the music nonprofit here in Chattanooga - showcases five locally-produced songs in “SoundBites,” which supports our own musicians. Stratton Tingle - executive director of SoundCorps - shares the latest SoundBites with us.