News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Governor Bill Lee said it is important to show gratitude to those who have protected the freedoms of America.
The Veterans Day ceremony at Alvin C. York State Historic Park Thursday honored the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and highlighted the life of Fentress native Sergeant Alvin York.
Lee said in what seems to be a divided country, common ground can be found in honoring Veterans.
“America across this great country is celebrating and recognizing and honoring those who have made this the greatest nation in the world,” Lee said. “It will remain the greatest nation in the world so long as we continue to protect it.”
The York family was present while the historic story of Sergeant York’s life was told. His grandson and retired Army Colonial Gerald York was presented an American Flag by the Crossville Knights of Columbus to be flown over Sergeant York’s grave site at Wolf Creek Cemetery.
“If you enjoy your freedom, if you love to have the ability to worship as you want to worship, to gather as we gather here, thank a veteran,” York said. “Because even though they may not have gone through a war, they were they to prevent a war and that’s important.”
Sergeant York was one of the most decorated United States Army soldiers of World War I. In May of 1941, he spoke at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with President Theodore Roosevelt to share his thoughts about American intervention into the Second World War.
The speech was reenacted at the ceremony by former State Park Director of Interpretive Programs and Education Jeff Wells, who was even wearing York’s tie.
The celebration came to a close with the crowd in unison singing “Gob Bless America.” Then, American Legion Post 137 ended the event with a 21 Gun Salute and Taps.
