Military Honors for Pops

On Saturday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. at the South Carolina State House, in the Orientation Auditorium on the Ground Floor, there will be a rendering of military honors and public recognition for the late Skipp "Pops" Pearson, Ambassador of Jazz Music for the State of South Carolina.

Following this event, there will be a jazz music tribute in honor of the U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard from 8 to 11 p.m. at Le Café Jazz, 930 Laurel St., Columbia.

This will be the last opportunity to pay tribute to Ambassador Pearson in South Carolina before he is taken to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

Free admission passes for both events are required. For information, please call (800) 400-1879.

On Wednesday, June 13, 1956, two years and 26 days after the Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, Thales Thomas “Skipp” Pearson decided that he would provide service to his country through the military and joined the United States Air Force.

In honor of that distinguished service, the Skipp Pearson Jazz Legacy Foundation has created a very special travel project entitled Operation Arlington for Pops. What foundation volunteers trust will be a time of healing, love and support for all combines two of Pops' favorite things--jazz music and travel. 

This celebratory event offers two nights and one full day of celebration in honor of our beloved Pops' national military service.

It takes place Wednesday, Nov. 29, through Friday, Dec. 1, 2017.

Note: Operation Arlington for Pops is in addition to the South Carolina State House event Sept. 30.

Come enjoy the art of jazz as we travel to Arlington National Cemetery to lay Pops to his final rest. The cost is $325 per couple or $250 per person.

Do not wait to reserve one of the 50 spaces available. Included:

All ground travel on a luxurious tour bus, complete with live jazz music performances

1 full breakfast

1 VIP boxed lunch

2 VIP travel snack boxes

Admission to all activities and special surprise events

Special commemorative gift package

Note: An optional three-course dinner will be offered for an additional cost of $25 per person.

First payment due: Sept. 29. Second payment due: Oct. 27. Please note that all payments are non-refundable.

For additional information, please call (803) 400-1879. Space is limited.