York State Park Hosting Veterans Day Weekend

Alvin C. York State Park is hosting its annual World War I Living history event this weekend.

State Park Manager Nate Dodson said they honor all veterans but they particularly focus on World War I as York is a major historical figure that was part of the war. Dodson said this year’s weekend event is called “War Means More”.

“That’s a line taken directly from Sergeant York himself and we thought it was pretty impactful,” Dodson said. “It was him reminiscing about his time in the service and he felt that in his words he said war means more than marching, band uniforms, music, and those kinds of things. It’s facing death and suffering and then what was almost worse is carrying death and suffering to others.”

Dodson said they will offer programs all weekend long including reenactments and a program Saturday night where people can see what trench warfare would have looked like. Dodson said he hopes those who attend the programs will be able to get a grasp on what life was like during that time.

“Really the goal is to open peoples eyes and maybe they will think about what that experience was like  100 plus years ago,” Dodson said. “Maybe it affects their life somehow today you know,  we can think about their experience of warfare and what it has evolved into today.”

Dodson said he believes it is the park’s duty to cover World War I.

“Even though the centennial has come and gone we still feel like the war is worth remembering and talking about and portraying,” Dodson said. “We have that unique connection with Seargent York of course.”

Dodson said on Sunday and Monday they will honor all veterans and encourages for veterans and others to come out and celebrate.