By Bill Derby
The Johnson City/Washington County Veterans’ Memorial was overflowing with veterans, community members and special guests honoring veterans and remembering those who have gone on before.
Two dedicated and regular attendees at the Veteran’s Memorial were honored posthumously. Roy A. Moore and Frank L. Knisley Jr., both passed away in recent months. Moore was a WW II POW survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. Knisley, also a military veteran, was a local architect who designed the Veteran’s Memorial. Members of both families accepted Tennessee State Proclamations noting their national and community achievements.
The colors were posted by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 979 during opening ceremonies as Haley Lingerfelt sang the National Anthem.
The Veterans’ Memorial is a living tribute that honors the past, present and future service and sacrifice of the men and women who keep America free.
Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans–living or dead–but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.
Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 979 post the colors. Photos by Bill Derby
A flowering tribute placed in memory of an
American veteran.
Bill Hampton and ROTC Cadet David Russell place the Remembrance Wreath.
