While Memorial Day is often spent with food and family, it is important to remember its purpose to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Memorial Day is rooted in the solemn tradition of honoring American troops killed serving our country. It dates back to the practice during the Civil War era of placing flowers on the graves of soldiers. At that time in our history many people referred to it as "Decoration Day."
Yes, Memorial Day is the "unofficial start to summer" but it comes from the words of President Lincoln, and a day of reverence for those who gave "…the last full measure of devotion."
Here is a list of ceremonies and services going on in the area that do just that.
Knox County
The East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association is sponsoring a service at Knoxville National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 28.
There will be American Flag Placement ceremonies at both East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries. Both services will start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 26. The cemeteries are located at 5901 Lyons View Pike and 2200 East Governor John Sevier Highway.
- The cemetery located on East Governor John Sevier Highway will have an additional ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 28. It will feature a 21 gun salute by the Honor Guard. The Lyons View Pike cemetery will not have an additional service.
There will be a "Reading of the Names" ceremony at the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial located at 401 Henley Street. The event will begin at around 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 28. A Memorial Day service will follow "Reading of the Names."
Honor Fountain City Day will also feature a Memorial Day ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at the Fountain City Park gazebo starting at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 28.
Anderson County
Anderson County will have their annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 28 at the veterans memorial in front of the Anderson County Courthouse. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. and will take place rain or shine. The mayor, State Representative John Ragan, and William Robinson who is a retired member of the U.S. Air Force and a Vietnam POW will speak at the event.
The Oak Ridge Community Band Memorial Day Concert will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 28. The concert is dedicated to area veterans and those who are currently serving. The event will take place at A.K. Bissell Park.
Blount County
Blount County's Memorial Day program will see a change in location this year. It is usually held at the courthouse, but the 2018 ceremony will be at RIO Revolution Church in Marysville on Saturday, May 26. A reception will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the program will start at 10:00 a.m. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Robert Tiebout from Townsend will speak.
Union County
Luttrell Cemetery will host a service on Sunday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Sevier County
The annual Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride will open with a ceremony at 10:00 a.m. before leaving the Sevier County Courthouse at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 27. The 65 mile ride ends at the Veteran Overlook at Clinch Mountains in Grainger County. At 12:00 p.m, a closing ceremony will end the event.
Pigeon Forge wll have a Veterans Memorial Service on Sunday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. The event will honor a 92-year-old mother who lost her son in Vietnam.
Jefferson County
The 4th annual "Ruck March" for veterans will take place on Monday, May 28. Walkers will start at the Jefferson City Community Center at 7:00 a.m. The event ends eight miles away at Brazelton Lodge in Dandridge. Participants are encouraged to wear 30 pound backpacks to symbolize the weight service members carry.
There will be a Memorial Day Tribute and Wreath Laying on Saturday, May 26. The ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Mossy Creek Station.
Cumberland County
In Crossville, there will be a Memorial Day service at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 28 at the Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center flag pole area.
Here's a map of where you can find all the events this weekend: