On October 27, 2006 the Facility Dedication for Bitz Intermediate School took place in the school's Multipurpose Room. It was a ceremony of solemnity and joy as we honored the memory of Sgt. Michael Bitz, after whom the school was named, and celebrated the beginning of many years of learning that will take place within the walls of this building.

In this very memorable program, a special rendition of the National Anthem was performed in sign language by 5th grade students. A slideshow presentation in recognition of Sgt. Bitz was then shown as students and music teachers performed a moving version of "Everyday Heroes".

Honored guests who participated in the ceremonies included:

Honorable Leslye A. Arsht
Deputy Under Secretary of Deense for Military Community & Family Policy
Office of the Secretary of Defense

Dr. Elaine Beraza
Director Dependent Elementary & Secondary Schools/DoDDS Cuba

Colonel Adele E. Hodges
Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune

Major Robert Rehder
Executive Officer, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune

Additonal participants included:

Master Sergeant Odell D. Benton
Chair, Camp Lejeune Dependents Schools Board of Education

HM3 Luis Fonseca
Close friend of Sgt. Michael Bitz and membe of the 2d AA Bn

Dr. Tom Hager
Superintendent, North Carolina District

Ms. Elizabeth Thomas
Assistant Superintendent Camp Lejeune Dependents Schools

Also in attendance were many members of the Bitz family, including the children of Sgt. Bitz. During the ceremony 2 art prints representative of the school were presented to the mother and family of Sgt. Bitz.

Major Rehder and the 2d AA Bn presented the school a beautiful plaque representing Sgt. Bitz and the unit which has also adopted Bitz Intermediate. This will be prominently displayed in the school entrance.

The program concluded with the passing of the school key from Scty. Arsht down to the school students, as Bitz Intermediate officially became a part of the Camp Lejeune and DoDEA school system.

A reception followed the program, in the school gymnasium.

Music Accompaniment