Carter County Hosts Moving Memorial Day Ceremony
On a visiting day in Carter County, best known for its connection to military history, skies cleared from early morning rain to prepare a graceful backdrop for hosts and visitors who gathered for a solemn reason – the Memorial Day Ceremony.
The Memorial Day Ceremony was organized in honor of the local heros who had given up their lives in service to the nation in six remarkable military combats. Those remembered were spread across different eras including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom, amounting to a total of 258 fallen heroes.
New Ceramic Art Piece Unveiled
The ceremony kicked off with the unveiling of a breathtaking new ceramic art piece, a testament of the collective efforts from the local creatives led by Karen Hitchcock of Blue River Studios along with the students from Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) who contributed by creating the metal frames, giving it the perfect finish.
Raising the Flags
After a warm welcome note by Mayor Pro-Tem who also chairs the Veteran Oversight Committee, the next item on the agenda brought about a sense of unity. The responsibility of changing the flags was given to students from the United States Navy National Defense Corp at the Elizabethton High School. Both the national flag and the POW-MIA flags were replaced. The old flags were retired with honor as the new ones were hoisted at half-staff.
A Day of Remembrance and Gratitude
Following the flag exchange, attendees started the event with Invocation, followed by a Pledge of Allegiance. The memorial day reading was presented by the member of the Veteran Oversight Committee, which resonated deeply with those who were present, leaving a powerful reminder that “our freedom is not free and it’s only possible because heroes paid a heavy price”.
The event also included the moving POW-MIA Remembrance Ceremony led by Gregg Tester who conveyed the poignant message lying behind each item placed on the table, representing the brave ones still missing in action. Their sacrifices and courageous acts of bravery were then honored by reading out the names of each Carter County hero who did not return home from each respective combat operation.
End of the Ceremony
The ceremony drew to a close with an emotional rendition of “Taps,” a tradition performed at the end of Memorial Day services. The crowd was filled with veterans and families, all of whom gathered to pay their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The local community showed an impressive turnout, particularly among younger generations who added vibrancy to the crowd.
The fallen heroes of Carter County were paid the most outstanding tribute on Memorial Day, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their valiant acts continue to inspire generations.
