City salutes vets

Warren County’s veterans were saluted Wednesday night during the Veterans Day Celebration at the Park presented by the City of McMinnville and the Park Theater.

Over 125 veterans and community members gathered at the free event to honor those who served our country. This marked the 11th year the Park Theater has served as home to a Veterans Day celebration in salute to Warren Countians who served.

The evening was hosted by emcee Bryan Kell and featured performances by Tennessee’s oldest community band — the Silver & Good Band. Free popcorn was provided to all guests by the Park Theater with free Dr Pepper products provided by Keurig Dr Pepper. Miller Photography was on hand offering free professional photos to all veterans in attendance.

Pastor Chuck Catalfu of American Legion Post 173 gave the invocation following Kell’s opening remarks. The Warren County High School JROTC presented the colors as the Silver & Gold Band performed the National Anthem.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mark Livengood of American Legion Post 173, speakers included McMinnville Mayor Ryle Chastain and Warren County Executive Terry Bell, who issued a proclamation honoring the county’s veterans which will be hung in the Warren County Administrative Building.

Jody Searight of the Quilts of Valor program presented quilts to Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Colvard, Staff Sergeant Robert Dittmore, Corporal Danny Strickland and Chief Petty Officer Patrick Ryan.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Zenaida Dawson, Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class, of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dawson detailed her path to service to her country which was influenced greatly by her father’s service.

“I learned early that home is not always one place on a map. Sometimes it is what we carry with us and what we help create for others,” Dawson said.

“If there is one thing I hope you take away tonight,” Dawson concluded, “it is that service is measured by more than where we went, the rank we held or what we wore on our uniform. It is also measured by how we treat people and whether they knew they could count on us. I am proud to have served in the U.S. Navy and I am grateful for the people who helped me grow.”

Following Dawson’s remarks, the Silver & Gold Band played the Armed Forces Medley during which veterans in the audience stood during the playing of their branch’s theme.

Jon Flanders, Lt. Col. USAF (retired) and Commander of American Legion Post 173 paid tribute to three particular veterans - Ivey O. Hillis, Charles L. Smith and James S. Flanders for their service to their country.

The hour-long celebration was brought to an end with closing remarks from Kell and another performance from the Silver & Gold Band.