Students and community members gathered at the Parker's Crossroads State Veterans Cemetery in Henderson County ahead of Veterans Day to honor the men and women who have served the country, WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News reported Tuesday.
Cadets from Lexington High School's Air Force Junior ROTC program joined the Parker's Crossroads Veterans Support Group for the event. Organizers said the gathering was meant to thank veterans and also to teach young people about service and sacrifice.
Dinah Carny, a U.S. Air Force veteran, said serving in the military changed the course of her life. "It opened my eyes up to a whole new world. Now my home's in Tennessee, and I've met just some amazing people," Carny said.
For some of the students, the event felt personal. ROTC cadet Kaleb Wise said several of his relatives have served. "I have a few family members in it, so this makes me a little happy seeing people come out here for this event," Wise said.
The Parker's Crossroads State Veterans Cemetery is one of the state-run cemeteries where Tennessee veterans and eligible family members are laid to rest. Gatherings like Tuesday's give students a chance to see the rows of headstones in person and hear directly from people who wore the uniform.
Organizers encouraged people in Henderson County and across West Tennessee to support veterans and their families throughout the year, not just on the holiday. That can be as simple as thanking a veteran, checking in on a neighbor who served or volunteering with a local veterans group.
Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11. Ceremonies, parades and programs are planned across the region, and several restaurants are also offering free meals and discounts for veterans and active-duty service members. Raw 100.5 thanks all who have served and the students who took time to honor them.
Sources: WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News; Parker's Crossroads Veterans Support Group