Johnson City American Legion Celebrates New Symbols Honoring Fallen Veterans
In Johnson City, Memorial Day honors came to life with a number of observances to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. One event in particular stood out, highlighted by two new symbols symbolizing honor and reverence for the departed.
The celebration took place at the American Legion post in Johnson City, a venue known for its solemn and profound recognition of this significant day. Despite the rain, the room was filled to capacity, providing a testament to the communal respect and appreciation for the city’s veterans.
Post commander Ed DePolo emphasized the meaning of this day, saying, “It’s not about a three-day weekend. It’s not about the sales at the mattress store. It’s not about the start of summer. It’s about remembering and honoring those we have lost.”
New Memorials Add Weight to the Observance
As well as remembering past sacrifices, this year’s Memorial Day service was uniquely marked by the unveiling of two new symbols of honor. The first is a historic marker delineating the remarkable story of the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue, which was first raised by the Legion back in 1935 as a tribute to World War I veterans. This statue,unique in Tennessee, depicts a World War I soldier holding a rifle and a grenade.
According to Post historian Allen Jackson, ”This historic marker allows us to look beyond the physical representation of a World War I soldier and understand the larger historical narrative that it presents.”
A Future Symbol to Remember the Past
The other significant installment relates to a forthcoming 100-foot flagpole set to be positioned on Tannery Knobs, towering over downtown. The legion post raised a significant sum to finance this project and expects the flagpole to be delivered and installed by Friday. This flagpole is a symbol of future generations’ continued remembrance of the past.
The post commander proudly expressed, “My grandchildren and future generations will be able to point to that flagpole and say, ‘My grandfather had something to do with that’.”
In addition to honoring the memory of fallen soldiers, the event also served as a reminder of the continued importance of history, legacy, and shared community values. The American Legion of Johnson City’s efforts in creating these new symbols underscore the enduring necessity of acknowledging and cherishing our history.