Pigeon Forge will honor America’s military with its Veterans Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The parade starts at 9 a.m. at Traffic Light 8, traveling north to Traffic Light 5, to make its way down Jake Thomas Boulevard.
Parade grand marshals will be Robert Cato and Andrew White, members of Guardian for Heroes Foundation. Founded by U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the foundation offers free, in-home fitness equipment, training, life coaching and much more to in-need veterans with disabilities, Gold Star families and those struggling with PTS.
“Pigeon Forge is a very patriotic community,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, “and we’re proud to present this parade as a token of our appreciation to those who served.
Many people who live and work here are veterans, so we understand the service and sacrifice made by members of our military throughout our nation’s history. It is an honor to pay tribute to these men and women.”
More than 40 entries will take part in the parade, including several chapters from Vietnam Veterans of America, noting the 40th anniversary of the end of that conflict. Pigeon Forge High School band will march, along with Knoxville’s Central High School Flag detail. Congressman Phil Roe and Lorenzo Wills, assistant commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs also will take part in the tribute.
For information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge and other city-sponsored events, visit
MyPigeonForge.com or call toll-free, 800-251-9100.