Tennessee At War Event This Saturday At Sgt Alvin C. York State Park

Sgt Alvin C. York State Historic Park will host its annual Veterans Day event Saturday, honoring Tennesseans who fought in World War I.

Park Manager Nate Dodson said there will be programming from 9am-4pm at the park including reenactments and a ceremony honoring Tennessean soldiers past and present. Dodson said it will be a unique opportunity for families to learn the life story of York.

“It’s important to remember that war and especially the folks that served in it, and that’s one of our main goals this year with our theme being Tennessee at War,” Dodson said. “We are telling specific Tennesseans’ stories. Not only Sgt York’s but there are other people from Fentress County here, Pall Mall, and then across the state.”

Dodson said the park has been holding the event for some 30 years. Dodson said the event is a step back in time with portrayals of York and other Tennesseans in period-appropriate attire sharing the story of World War I and the role some 100,000 Tennesseans played. Red Cross nurses will participate in the reenactment this year.

“I think it’s a good way to take a step back and remember their service and their sacrifice, and thank them for what they did,” Dodson said. “Not everyone is willing to take up arms for their country, so for those who did, we certainly want to thank them for it.”

The event will include a special Veterans Day ceremony at 11am to symbolize the war’s end on the 11th day of the 11th month.

Dodson said the event will feature something to learn and appreciate for anybody in attendance.