What a fabulous group of people gathered in Wilson Park for the First Annual Veterans Appreciation Family Picnic. So many veterans, families of veterans, and citizens who appreciate what our veterans mean to us showed up for comradery and good food. The barbecue was terrific and plentiful, there were more hot dogs than anyone could eat, the chicken from 33 Diner was, as always, delicious. Everyone who wanted a raffle ticket (including children) had a chance to win one of the fantastic door prizes.

The gorgeous cake, designed by Food City, was cut with a ceremonial sword by Fred Sholtes (Army veteran, Korea and Vietnam) who was the oldest veteran attending, and Glenn Apillanes (Marines), the youngest veteran attending. The cake was declared delicious. Musician Will Sheppard volunteered his time and skill to keep toes tappin’ and audience members hummin’ for over two hours. Our own Harley Martin closed out the day with some wonderful music and original songs. Kids enjoyed the supervised games provided by Becky Luthman. And even our own sign man, Martin Shafer, got his face painted by Kimberly Dunn-Way. There was some amazing art on little faces.

The Sharps Chapel Fall Festival, held the weekend before the Veteran Picnic, had a scarecrow contest by Amanda Rae Simpson. For $1 donation per vote, each person could vote for their favorite scarecrow. They raised $665 and this was donated to the America Legion Post 212.

The second part of the event moved uphill to our Veterans Wall. The posting of the colors was performed by the UCHS JROTC and the National Anthem was beautifully sung by Kristi McCaleb. Representative Tim Burchett spoke first, remembering his father, who had been a Marine and served in the Pacific and China. Burchett reminded us that stretches of Tazewell Pike and Emory Road in Corryton are dedicated as the “SSG Ryan Knauss Memorial Hwy”.

Paula Knauss-Self mentioned that the military and civilian worlds are different and often one does not understand another. She proposed that Union County raise funds for an annual $1000 scholarship for one JROTC student planning to join the military upon graduation. She was presented with a plaque on the Veterans Wall with the name and service of her son, SSG Ryan Christian Knauss. State Senator Jessie Seals felt compelled to “serve those who serve” and pledged the first $1000 to the JROTC scholarship fund. He thanked all who have served. State Representative Dennis Powers spoke of his dad, who served in WWII, and the sacrifice of military and military families. He read a Proclamation from the Tennessee Legislature in “honor and memory of SSG Ryan Christian Knauss, beloved son of Tennessee.”

After the ceremony at the Veterans Wall, the final door prizes were given out, several folks went after second helpings of food, and Harley Martin kept us entertained with his wonderful music. It was a beautiful day honoring active military and veterans. Many thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, VSO Kevin Manley, and Mayor Bailey for all their support. See y’all next year—same time (Saturday before Veterans Day), same place.