Commissioner Grinder addresses the crowd
Cleveland and Bradley County honored its veterans with events at many local schools and the traditional downtown gathering of citizens, veterans plus local, county and state officials.
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder was the keynote speaker. She talked about the state's education initiative for veterans and other services. Tennessee offers many types of services to its nearly 507,000 veterans. State veterans homes is one of those services
Commissioner Grinder said a veterans home to be built in Cleveland will be similar to one being completed in Montgomery County. She said the future Cleveland and Bradley County home will equal the same high standards as the three already operating.
State Representative Kevin Brooks announced a memorandum of understanding has been signed by Bradley County and Cleveland mayors, the American Legion and the donors of the site. That memorandum is a significant step towards state acceptance, Rep. Grinder said.
Terry Hollenback was the recipient of this year's Raymond H. Miller Veteran of the Year award. Mr. Hollenback is a U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran who served from 1967-1969. He is the top recruiter for Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25.
Claude T. Hardison, past president of the Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution told the crowd about this year's Wreaths Across America campaign by the local Col. Benjamin Cleveland Chapter, S.A.R. Chapter members are accepting donations towards placing wreaths on veterans graves at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Wreaths Across America is a national program to decorate veterans graves with seasonal wreaths in December at national cemeteries.
Mayor Tom Rowland was master of ceremonies. Music was provided by the Cleveland High School Band.The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Chattanooga Division posted the colors. Former County Executive Eddie Cartwright presented his family's traditional ringing of a plow share to announce the end of World War I. Edwin Lipsey, pastor of South Cleveland Church of God was the program chaplain.