Veterans Day Celebration at the Park set for Sun., Nov. 9

Veterans Day, a federal holiday set aside to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces, is observed annually on Nov. 11 and will be marked by several events in Warren County. The 2025 Veterans Day Celebration at the Park will be held Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. at McMinnville's historic Park Theater.

Doors will open at approximately 1:30 p.m. and seating is general admission. Accessible and handicap seating are available. Admission as well as refreshments are free.

Keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Charles Collier. Collier served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1972 and was an infantry and intelligence first lieutenant in the Vietnam war. His awards include the Bronze Star and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He is a professor emeritus at Cumberland University where he served as dean of the School of Education and vice president of Professional Studies.

“Veteran’s Day isn’t just about history," Collier said. "It’s about values – like service, duty, courage and loyalty – that endure throughout generations. I’m proud to have served our country and know that my experience and my service in our military continues to serve as a guide in my life, even today.”

Warren County's Silver & Gold Band will treat the audience to a selection of patriotic tunes. Free professional photos will be offered to any veteran in attendance presented by Miller Photography, which has participated in the Park's Veteran Day event since its inception.

"We are honored to share in this event by providing photographs for veterans," Shelly Miller of Miller Photography said. "The Veterans Day Celebration at the Park is one of the highlights of our year because we get to meet and speak with so many of these brave men and women who have served our country so well."

Leading the event will be McKenzie Roberts, Lt. Col., U.S. Army (retired); with presentations by Gentiva Hospice; Jon Flanders, Lt. Col., ASAF (retired); Quilts of Valor; City of McMinnville Mayor Ryle Chastain and Warren County Executive Terry Bell. Various veteran service organizations will also be available at the event with resources and information. 

"We're always proud to host this free event at the Park as an opportunity for the community to come out to celebrate and honor our local veterans," Park Theater Manager Joe Harvey said. "We want to thank everyone who makes this event possible, from our speakers and performers to the sponsors and local organizations who come out to help. It's truly a community effort to pull off this important event."