News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Sgt. Alvin C. York Grave Dedication will take place this weekend.
Debbie York is the great-grand-daughter of Sgt. York and the Executive Director of the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation.
York said the grave dedication also celebrates the sacrifices of World War I veterans.
“We always have to tell veterans’ stories, even when there are no living World War I soldiers left in America. So I think it is up to us to keep their stories alive and to remember the sacrifices,” York said. “Because it is so easy to get caught up in our day to day business, that we forget who came before us and what sacrifices they made to make the world what it is today.”
The Jamestown Rotary and the Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation will dedicate the grave Sunday.
“And we are actually getting an official certificate that designates the site as one of one hundred newly designated World War I memorials from across the country,” York said.
The dedication will feature various speakers, including Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder from the Tennessee Department of Veterans’ Services.
Sgt. York’s grave underwent various renovations during the past year.
“It has been a labor of love by a lot of volunteers. And a lot of companies have chipped in money, and donations and services. And the grave looks wonderful. It’s got a new fence, it’s got new gravel,” York said. “We were able to raise the grave site. One of the rocks had fallen about three inches. And so we were able to do some restoration to make sure it is here for another hundred years.”
A handicap-accessible walkway was added as well, York said.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the group will move to Sgt. York Park and celebrate with a barbeque and other festivities.
“Sgt. York is one of those people that his story still resonates with many generations. I think being Memorial Day and just honoring one of Tennessee’s heroes, one of America’s heroes,” York said. “But also honoring all of those who served during World War I, there is no telling how many people we will have. ”
The Sgt. York Grave Dedication will take place Sunday, May 27. The event is free to the public.
