International Press Service


 

Chattanooga National Cemetery

1200 Bailey Ave

Chattanooga, TN   37404

 

 

 

Department of

Veterans Affairs

                News Article

                                                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                                                                                    Candice Underwood, Director

                                                                                    (423) 855-6590

 

 

MEMORIAL DAY

May 31, 2004

 

Chattanooga National Cemetery will honor all veterans Monday, May 31st at 11:00 a.m. during the traditional Memorial Day Program.  American Merchant Marine Veterans, TriState Chapter, will sponsor the event.

 

Artificial flowers can now be placed on gravesites at the Chattanooga National Cemetery but will be removed EARLY Friday MORNING, June 4TH.  Therefore, those wishing to pick up their loved one’s artificial floral arrangements should do so by Thursday, June 3rd .

 

Saturday, May 29th, SMALL FLAG DAY, 8:00am, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownie Troops from many of the surrounding areas will be assisting in the placement of 35,000 small flags at each individual gravesite at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. An opening ceremony to kick off activities will be conducted with Signal Mountain Mayor and Korean War Veteran, Jim Althaus as speaker and CAVC Honor Guard performing gun salute.  Musicians from Red Bank High School and Signal Mountain Middle School representing Boy Scout Troop 116 and Venture Crew 2116 will play the National Anthem.  The public is encouraged to participate.

 

Monday, May 31st, The MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM is 11am at the Armed Forces Pavilion at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.  This year’s host organization is American Merchant Marine Veterans, TriState Chapter, TN.  George Adkison, Commanding Officer with Call the Ceremony to Order.  Jim Shull, President of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council will be the Master of Ceremonies.  Keynote speaker will be Patricia (Patty) Parks, USNR (Ret).  Parks began her Navy career as an enlisted recruit in 1974, retiring December 2003.  She currently serves as Executive Director of the National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History.  The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council Honor Guard under the direction of Ralph Wilson will provide Color Guard and Honor Guard duties.  George Adkison and W.T. Bible, will offer invocation and benediction.  American Legion Post 95 Band will provide patriotic music selections both prior to and during ceremony.  Those coming for the 11am program should plan to bring lawn chairs and umbrellas for sun or rain protection.

 

Monday Evening, May 31st, Torch Light Tour of the National Cemetery will take place at 8:30 p.m. by Jim Ogden, Historian from the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.  The tour will begin at the Armed Forces Pavilion and will last approximately ninety minutes.  The 140th Anniversary of the Great Locomotive Chase, the first Medal of Honor Recipients and other Civil War Soldiers buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery will be the focus of Mr. Ogden’s torch light walk.  Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and bring a flashlight.

 



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