Soumas Court was filled to capacity Wednesday night to see the reveal of the newest edition to the Wall of Witnesses.

This year’s nominee was Jim Walstrom, a former director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of the BRR Ride. Walstrom is distinguished from the other 23 members of the Wall, as he is the only one still living. As Hometown Heritage Board President Bill Clark explained, the Wall seeks to honor people who have made an impact on the City of Perry, and everyone agreed Walstrom fit the bill perfectly.

Clark got the ceremony rolling, offering his thanks to the mayor and City Council, as well as everyone on the Hometown Heritage Board. He then introduced Jeanette Peddicord, Chairperson for the Perry Historic Preservation Commission, who spoke about Walstrom and how he exemplified what the Wall of Witnesses is all about. John Palmer, who’s a member of both the Preservation Commission and Hometown Heritage, then went over the selection process for the Wall’s honorees.

Palmer was followed by the sculptor of Walstrom’s relief, Rick Stewart, who was also responsible for the majority of the other reliefs on the Wall. After Stewart spoke of the friendship he quickly developed with his subject, the newest relief on the Wall of Witnesses was unveiled. Mayor Jay Pattee, a long-time friend of Walstrom, then got up and talked about the honoree’s life and experiences.

Once Pattee was finished, Walstrom himself got up to talk, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd in Soumas Court. He thanked everyone for coming, and introduced his family members, including his mother.