On Monday, May 21, 2007, Abbot Stan traveled to Charleston Air Force Base to be present for the Dedication of the new Samuel F. Lyons Visitor Control Center. It was a bright, sunny day and the invited guests spanned the gamut of the Charleston and military communities. The unveiling of the plaque by his widow, Ruth, was the highlight of the afternoon. The plaque features a remarkable likeness of Sam in one of his trademark postures – obviously ready to make some point of importance to his listeners.

Sam was a close friend of Mepkin Abbey and Father Francis. He served as Francis' unofficial advisor par excellance for all Mepkin's fundraising efforts. His voice and his advice was always given a full hearing.

Abbot Stan got to spend time after the ceremony with Ruth Lyons, his widow, and with Peg Breen, his cousin. Peg, who heads the Landmarks Conservancy in New York, gave a wonderful speech to end the ceremony, concluding with Sam's familiar parting phrase: “Keep the Faith.”

May we do so.