Memorial Day Program Adds To Patriotic-Themed 2018 In Putnam Co.

A Memorial Day program will continue a patriotic-themed year for Putnam County Monday.

The program will feature Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Assistant commissioner Travis Murphy as a guest speaker.

In addition, the Veterans Honor Guard will render the final salute and playing of taps.

“It’s really just a day of recognizing our fallen veterans,” Putnam County Veterans Service Office Director Mark Harris said. “We will have the veteran services organization lay a wreath at our memorial wall as well.”

Monday’s program will add to a number of patriotic events in Putnam County this year.

In April, the county had the Wall That Heals on display and just this past week, Run for The Wall motorcycle riders roared through Cookeville for the 5th year as part of a 10 day trip to Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

“I think it’s a great thing for the people of Cookeville to be around those veterans that are making the ride in our place since we were not able to go there ourselves,” Harris said. “Since the wall was here, what a great connection. Now we have a better understanding of what the ride really means.”

Zach Ledbetter serves as Vice President of Cookeville Visitor Development and says 2018 was themed “Patriotic Putnam”.

“It’s a great honor to all of our veterans that live in Putnam County and the Upper Cumberland, but also in support of all veterans and thanking them for their service and sacrifice to our great country.”

More patriotic events will continue throughout the year with Cookeville’s Red, White, And Boom Fourth of July celebration and Tennessee Tech playing host to the Great War Symposium later this fall.

“There’s lots of military history and events honoring our veterans in Putnam County in 2018,” Ledbetter said.

Monday’s Memorial Day service will take place at the Putnam County Courthouse beginning at 11:00 a.m. Harris encourages folks to arrive early.