One of the worst days in Chattanooga history was July 16, 2015. As the community prepares to remember the five service members who were killed, Chapter 203 of Vietnam Veterans of America Tuesday replaced the American and Service flags at the permanent monument.
The marker is outside the Military recruiting station at Highway 153 and Lee Highway where the gunman started his shooting rampage.
He exited that location and sped over to the Naval operations support center and Marine Corp service center on Amnicola Highway. The gunman opened fire there killing five service members.
A permanent memorial was erected in Brainerd as a tribute to the Fallen 5 and those who were injured. President Charlie Hobbs said chapter 203 wanted to do something to remember the fallen five. He said the original flags were getting a little worn so the chapter decided to replace them before the anniversary next month.
Mr. Hobbs said some of the chapter members, local recruiters and several service members attended the ceremony.
Vietnam Veterans chapter 203 meets the 3rd Monday of every month at American Legion Post 95 in East Ridge. A meal is served at 6 and the meeting starts at 7. All Vietnam veterans are invited to attend. Any Vietnam era vet is also welcome.