Members of ‘Closer Walk’ sang a number of songs during the annual Veterans Day program. Members of the group include: Gail Morris – piano, Stephanie Cole, Susan Gibson, Sue Russell, Angie Slaughter, and Theresa Vance.
By Bill Derby, Publisher
It was standing room only last Saturday morning at the 7th annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Johnson City/Washington County Veterans Memorial. Congressman Phil Roe spoke to a large number of veterans, family members, Gold Star Mothers and friends at the event.
Congressman Roe said, “I have proudly served on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee; and earlier this year was given the privilege and responsibility to serve as its Chairman. As a veteran myself, I take the commitment we’ve made to veterans and their families very seriously. Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of how our nation’s liberty has been secured and preserved by the members of our Armed Forces since the founding of our great nation.
One of the things I love most about Tennessee is how we all appreciate the sacrifice and service of the more than 500,000+ veterans in our state. It is truly a privilege to work on improving conditions for the men and women who sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. In East Tennessee, we’re fortunate to have the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, and I hear from many veterans in the First District who are extremely pleased with the care they receive there. Our medical center was recently rated as a 4-star facility, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work the staff at Mountain Home does every day.
A group of Gold Star Mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country were honored with a bouquet of flowers.
It was also announced a third row of Black Granite markers will be available to add to the current double row of markers for veterans to be honored or in memorial. Donations will gladly be accepted through the Johnson City/Washington County Veterans Memorial by email or calling: jcwcvm@gmail.com or call (423) 483-1814.
God Star Mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country were honored with a bouquet of flowers during the ceremony.
Congressman Phil Roe spoke during the event.
Photos by Bill Derby
