The Montgomery Community will come together Thursday, June 26 at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate the completion of the building frame for Jackson's new Patient Tower, scheduled for occupancy in the spring of 1998. The new patient tower will feature a centralized lobby, enhanced emergency room and outpatient facilities, and the relocation of most patient rooms.

The Topping Out Ceremony marks a milestone in the construction process and honors the contractors who have worked so diligently on the project. At the ceremony, the pouring of the last bucket of concrete at the highest point of the tower will represent the "topping out" of the building.

As part of the festivities, a live tree, which will be planted later, will be lifted slowly by crane and placed on the pinnacle of the building. This tradition dates back to Egyptian times when a tree was placed on top of a pyramid to honor the slaves who died during construction.

... VIP guests will be wearing blue jeans and top hats.