The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has been revered dating back to 1918 as Americans honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The City of Gatlinburg will salute our nation’s heroes, the Veterans, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11 with an appropriate Veterans Day Celebration on Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. The event will recognize vets in attendance by branch of service and will feature music, words of inspiration, and much more.

Highlights of the celebration include a flyover of a Tennessee Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker from the 134th Air Refueling Wing based in Knoxville, music from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Band and Walters State Community College singers, an American Bald Eagle appearance courtesy of American Eagle Foundation, and remarks from Tennessee’s Adjutant General, Major General Gus L. Hargett, Jr.

MG Hargett, who commands the Tennessee Army National Guard, Tennessee Air National Guard, Tennessee State Guard, and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency was appointed to the state’s top military position in 2002, and reappointed by Governor Phil Bredesen in 2003. He is responsible for the supervision of the Military Department of Tennessee.

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of Global Reach and Global Power. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft.
The Honor Guard for the event will be members of 14th Weather Squadron, Air Force Combat Climatology Center’s Special Ceremonies Team from Asheville, N.C. The AFCCC uses historical weather data to develop and produce special weather-impact information used in planning and executing Department of Defense worldwide military operations and in engineering weapon system design and employment.

The Master of Ceremonies for the Veterans Day Celebration will be noted motivational speaker and author Carl Mays of Gatlinburg. Drawing from his solid background in business and athletics, along with degrees in psychology and communications, Mays is a much-requested speaker.

Information courtesy of City Of Gatlinburg