Sullivan County remembers fallen soldiers at Memorial Day event
Share this @internewscast.com

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – For decades, thousands of Americans have fought to protect our nation’s freedom, but not all made it home.

“It’s not about us veterans who are home,” expressed Todd McKinley, an Army veteran and member of the Sullivan County school board. “This is for those who didn’t make it home.”

In Sullivan County, dozens gathered on Monday to honor those lost during military service. McKinley said he was touched by the crowd.

“There were some elected officials present, fulfilling part of their duty,” he noted. “However, you also had regular civilians and veterans attending simply to pay homage and show their respects.”

The keynote address was delivered by retired Marine and Kingsport Chamber President Miles Burdine. County Commissioner and Navy veteran Gary Stidham mentioned he invited Burdine to speak on behalf of those who did make it home.

“One of those veterans out there that is on an island by themselves, now know that they’re not on that island by themselves,” he said. “And it may get them to seek help for their personal PTSD.”

Burdine said the service was a true tribute to fallen soldiers.

“The singing of the national anthem, the gun salute, the taps,” he said. “All of it is meant to remember those who gave it all.”

For the three men, it’s important to remember the reason behind Memorial Day.

“We are honoring and remembering those who fell in battle so that our families could enjoy today,” Burdine said. “Could go to the beach, to have the freedom to enjoy a picnic, to enjoy the freedom to have a barbecue.”

“A lot of blood was shed for us to be able to be free, to stay free,” Stidham said. “But if they would just take a moment and just say a little prayer for those families that have lost, I think that would be significant enough.”

The ceremony was held at Sullivan County Veterans Park, which opened in November 2024.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

US Navy Conducts Strategic Strike on Suspected Drug-Trafficking Vessel, Pete Hegseth Reports

In a recent announcement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the United…

Trump Embarks on Asia Tour: Unpredictable Outcomes Await

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is set to embark on a critical…

Early Voting Commences in Texas, Featuring Brain Health Research Initiative on the Ballot

In an unexpected turn, Texas voting booths could soon become pivotal in…

Job Hunt Anxiety Skyrockets: New Survey Reveals Growing American Concerns

(The Hill) — A growing number of Americans are expressing anxiety about…

Foiled Attack: Man Arrested at Atlanta Airport After Tip-Off Prevents Tragedy

A man accused of plotting to carry out a shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson…

Newport Officer Faces Charges of Domestic Assault and Unlawful Detention

NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — Newport Police Officer Brandon Cassady has been charged…

Israel to Reinstate Ceasefire in Gaza with Aid Deliveries Set to Resume Monday

JERUSALEM (AP) — The delicate ceasefire in Gaza encountered a significant challenge…

Retail Theft Scandal: Man on Pretrial Release Faces New Charges, Police Report Reveals

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — A man found himself in deeper legal trouble…

Manhunt Underway: JCPD Seeks Suspect in Waffle House Shooting Incident

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Authorities in Johnson City are intensifying their search…

Texas Corrections Officer Fired After Alleged Chicken Wing Smuggling Scandal Shakes Prison System

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A correctional officer from the Travis County…

New Developments Emerge in Campustown Weekend Shooting Incident

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A weekend shooting on the University of Illinois campus…

Trump Pledges Ambitious Agreement with China Following Upcoming Meeting with Xi

WASHINGTON – On Monday, President Donald Trump confidently asserted that the United…