Tribute to Farragut-area veterans held by Town’s Museum Committee Nov. 10
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Representatives from four branches of the U.S. military service, from left, Air Force Tech Sgt. David Greenway and Master Sgt. Nicholas Roget; Navy Cmdr. Jeremy Reynard; Marines Staff Sgt. Matthew Martinez; and Army Sgt. First Class Kyle Hood each received flags from the Town of Farragut’s Museum Committee during the Committee’s Veterans Salute and Battle of Campbell Station event in Farragut Community Center Sunday, Nov. 10. - Photos by Tammy Cheek
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Hood receives a flag from Committee vice chairman Bill Rhodes during the event. - Photos by Tammy Cheek
Town of Farragut Museum Committee paid tribute to Farragut area veterans and a remembrance of the Battle of Campbell Station, which took place Nov. 16, 1863, during a Veterans’ Salute and local history event in Farragut Community Center, Sunday, Nov. 10.
The event began with an invocation by Faith Lutheran Church pastor, the Rev. Bob Stelter, followed by proclamation and remembrance of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action military personnel.
To the armed forces personnel who have sacrificed and paid the price for America’s freedom, “whereas the Town of Farragut, as well as millions of other Americans, can attest to the importance of their sacrifices and their contributions to our freedom and to our security,” Farragut Mayor Ron Williams read from the proclamation.
“... The Town of Farragut proudly joins the rest of our nation in saluting and honoring and recognizing the many men and women who have served in our armed forces,” he read.
Likewise, “as we gather here to celebrate veterans, it’s important to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and are unable to participate in ceremonies like this,” Army veteran Christ Carnes said about the table for POW and MIA. “The table to the front, standing alone, is reserved to honor those missing brothers and sisters.
“(The table) is round to show our everlasting concern,” Carnes added. “The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.
“The single red rose reminds us of their lives and the loved ones and friends that honor and remember them. “The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for our missing. The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty and hope for their return.
“The black napkin symbolizes the emptiness left in our hearts, and the lemon slices remind us of the bittersweet faith. The pinch of salt symbolizes the tears that are being shed.
“The candle symbolizes the upward reach and of their unconquerable spirit. The Bible represents the strength gained through devotion.
“The (drinking) glass is inverted to symbolize their inability to join us today. And, the chair is empty because they are no longer with us.”
Carnes then asked those present to observe a 30-second moment of silence.
Museum committee chair Sue-Ann Hansler and vice chair Bill Rhodes then presented flags to the following military representatives: Army Sgt. First Class Kyle Hood, Navy Cmdr. Jeremy Reyard, Marine Staff Sgt. Matthew Martinez, Navy Cmdr. Jeremy Reynard and Air Force Master Sgt. Nicholas Roget and Tech Sgt. David Greenway.
