Hundreds convened in downtown Great Bend to honor Jack Kilby in an evening ceremony at the Square on April 28, 2012. Patriotic music performances filled the cool spring air, and seated in the middle of Main Street was a crowd that heard from those who stepped up to the podium one by one to express their unique connections with Jack. Evening slipped away to night and when it was time, the sculpture lights slowly illuminated to accentuate the magnificent sculpture, simultaneous to an a cappella rendition of "God Bless America," sung by Ellinwood native and renowned soloist Trent Green. Sculpture artist Chet Cale, lighting architect Gary Gordon, along with Kilby Committee organizer Glenn Opie stood mere feet away from the sculpture, fittingly participating in the historic event. Emotions from nearly a dozen years of planning, hard work and steadfast commitment from the trio were wrapped into this one magical moment when the rich tenor voice blended with lighting artistry. To their joyful amazement, “The Gift” was finally revealed to the community that delighted in its wondrous presence.
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You can have your personal memorial paver added to this unique Jack Kilby memorial for as little as $200. Please Show Support for this Community Project.
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"I've always thought of Great Bend as my hometown and I've been proud of that. I've also been proud I went to Great Bend High School."
- Jack Kilby
Quoted during Jack Kilby Weekend, Oct. 12-14, 2001
- Jack Kilby
Quoted during Jack Kilby Weekend, Oct. 12-14, 2001
Allen Tomnitz, Retired Aircraft Pilot and 1940 GBHS graduate - "He is a product of the Great Bend public schools. What a tribute to public education he is."
Kansas City Star - "From a Kansas town came an engineer who helped start an electronics revolution."
T.R. Reid's book, The Chip - "Jack Kilby, a quiet slow-talking sort from Great Bend, Kansas, finally got a chance to work in a major laboratory on a problem of premier importance. Within weeks, he hit on an idea that struck the world of microelectronics like a lightening bolt."
Kansas City Star - "From a Kansas town came an engineer who helped start an electronics revolution."
T.R. Reid's book, The Chip - "Jack Kilby, a quiet slow-talking sort from Great Bend, Kansas, finally got a chance to work in a major laboratory on a problem of premier importance. Within weeks, he hit on an idea that struck the world of microelectronics like a lightening bolt."
Jack Kilby Day and "The Gift" sculpture ceremony
were celebrated April 28, 2012
WOW!!!!!! What an Amazing Experience
Thank You for Participating in Jack Kilby Day
Latest Kilby Day News
Kilby Sculpture Sends Artist on 11-Year Journey
Soloist Trent Green to Perform at Kilby Ceremony
Saturday’s Jack Kilby Day Rings with Patriotic Tone
Dr. Walters: From Kansas Blizzard to Nobel Prize
Noted Author T.R. Reid Returning to Honor Kilby
Fox News Anchor John Holt to Emcee Unveiling Ceremony
Dr. Walters to Demonstrate Ham Radios, Share Kilby Connection
Sculpture Unveiling To Be Evening Celebration
“The Gift” Sculpture To Be Unveiled
Kilby Sculpture Sends Artist on 11-Year Journey
Soloist Trent Green to Perform at Kilby Ceremony
Saturday’s Jack Kilby Day Rings with Patriotic Tone
Dr. Walters: From Kansas Blizzard to Nobel Prize
Noted Author T.R. Reid Returning to Honor Kilby
Fox News Anchor John Holt to Emcee Unveiling Ceremony
Dr. Walters to Demonstrate Ham Radios, Share Kilby Connection
Sculpture Unveiling To Be Evening Celebration
“The Gift” Sculpture To Be Unveiled
View Kilby Day photos by local photographer Steve McAnulla
View slideshow of Kilby Day photos by Steve McAnulla
View photos on Flickr from the sculpture lighting ceremony
View slideshow from the sculpture lighting ceremony
View photos from the Barton County Historical Society Presentation
View slideshow from the Barton County Historical Society Presentation
View slideshow of Kilby Day photos by Steve McAnulla
View photos on Flickr from the sculpture lighting ceremony
View slideshow from the sculpture lighting ceremony
View photos from the Barton County Historical Society Presentation
View slideshow from the Barton County Historical Society Presentation