Memorial To The "Fallen Five" Is Unveiled At The Tennessee Riverpark

A dramatic memorial to the Chattanooga "Fallen Five" was unveiled on Saturday afternoon with members of the families of the slain servicemen laying wreathes.

The $825,000 art piece is at the Tennessee Riverpark near where a lone gunman from Hixson shot the service members in 2015.

The memorial features a gold wreathe that is upheld by five spires - representing Carson Holmquist, Randall Smith, David Wyatt, Skip Wells and Thomas Joseph Sullivan.

Laying wreathes at the close of the ceremony led by Mayor Andy Berke and County Mayor Jim Coppinger were: 

Jasmine Holmquist escorted by Molly Cooper and Kelly Cotton, Chattanooga community members

Tracy Smith escorted by Chief Mike Helton, Fort Oglethorpe Police Department

Jerry and Betty Sullivan escorted by Mayor Berke

Cathy Wells escorted by County Mayor Coppinger

Lorri Wyatt Williams escorted by Sergeant Dennis Pedigo, who was shot during the response to the attack, Chattanooga Police Department.

Funding for the memorial included gifts from the city and county, Erlanger Health System, EPB, TVA, local foundations and many individual donors.

Karen McReynolds, director of the city's Office of Multi Cultural Affairs, sang the National Anthem.

Speakers in addition to the two mayors were Col. Joseph Russ of the U.S. Marines and Capt. Matthew Berta, U.S. Navy retired.

Katelyn Kirnie, city director of public art, told of the process involved in creating the art piece. Artist Norman Lee also spoke.