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Ireland Army Health Clinic officials hosted a topping off ceremony June 14, 2018 at the future facility’s construction site, recognizing the emplacement of the last beam in the new 101,373-square-foot, two-story, state-of-the-art facility. The new building, which was topped off on the Army’s birthday, will be out-fitted with new and modern medical equipment.

A topping off, or sometimes called a topping out, has European origins but is also part of American construction and building culture. Originally structures were created out of timber and the last beam added was decorated in flags and adorned with a small tree. The tree symbolized the structure going up without a loss of life and was also a symbol of good luck for future occupants.

A modern topping off also includes an American flag, a tradition that goes back dates back to 1919 and started by U.S. steel ironworkers during the “American Plan Period,” showing loyalty to flag and country. And the steel beam is usually painted white, one of the only beams, with the signatures of everyone in attendance added. The white beam symbolizes the skilled craftsmanship and labor to create the beam and construct a building.

The IRAHC final beam also included a coin from all the major commands on Fort Knox and those commanders’ signatures; a Fort Knox centennial stencil, in in honor of the Army post’s 100-year history and contributions to the United States, and a Medical Department Activity Centennial tile in recognition of Fort Knox MEDDAC’s centennial.