MOUNTAIN PRESS: Memorial Day program honors those who gave their lives
SEVIERVILLE — Veterans, their families and other members of the community met on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn on Monday to honor and remember those who gave their lives serving in the nation’s armed forces.
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters and Rep. Diana Harshbarger both spoke during the Memorial Day event.
“As I stand before you today, I do so with a full heart of gratitude; gratitude for the privilege of serving the people of Sevier County for so many years, and especially for the privilege of honoring the veterans for their protection of the freedoms that we enjoy every day,” Waters said.
Waters is in his final term, so this was likely his last time speaking at the Memorial Day event as Sevier County Mayor.
“Memorial Day is much more than the beginning of summer vacations or a long holiday. It is one of the most sacred observances that we have in this nation. It is a day set aside to remember the men and women that gave their lives in service to the United States of America. These brave Americans never came home to their families, their communities, or the lives they dreamed of living,” he said.
Waters said it is important for each new generation to understand that freedom is not free and that Memorial Day reminds us that patriotism is not simply words, it is sacrifice, duty, courage and service.
“Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve this remarkable county, and thank you for joining together year after year to honor our veterans and remember our fallen heroes. May we never forget them. May God bless our veterans and our military families. May God bless Sevier County, and may God continue to bless the United States of America,” Waters said.
Harshbarger said it was an honor it be in Sevier County on Memorial Day. As a representative in the United States Congress, Harshbarger said she has held pinning ceremonies for more than 5,000 Vietnam veterans.
“We come together with grateful hearts to honor brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States of America,” she said.
“We listen to their stories, because when those veterans pass away, it’s like the library closes, so we need to document those for future generations. ... This year’s Memorial Day carries special meaning, because we’re also marking the 250th anniversary of our nation. For two-and-a-half centuries, America has stood as a beacon for opportunity and self-government. As we celebrate 250 years of our republic, we must remember a simple truth: America’s freedom was not guaranteed.”
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 94 gave the invocation followed by the Posting of Colors by the Marine Corps League Detachment 1206. The Walters State Community College Sevier Community Band provided music for the event, and American Legion Post 202 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Colleen Scott of VFW Post 10025 led the POW/MIA Ceremony. The US Military Vets Motorcycle Club read the list of veterans who passed away, and the American Legion Post 104 escorted the Gold Star Honoree for the placing of the wreath.
Rodney Carter and Landon Crabtree played TAPS followed by a display from the American Legion Post 104 Honor Guard firing squad.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remember the incredible cost paid by those who gave their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today; these gallant men and women who fought and died for our country. Yet it is in remembering our fallen comrades that we are reminded of those whose fate and whereabouts are still unknown,” Scott said.
She said more than 78,000 Americans are still unaccounted for, and in Tennessee there are 1,400 military members still missing in action.
“These courageous individuals dedicated their lives as volunteer citizen soldiers to preserving and protecting our freedoms and our way of life. They, and many others who have served and are currently serving in the United States military, are ever-mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice,” Scott said.