Each year, the Kingsport Veterans Day Ceremony brings our community together in a quiet, reverent display of gratitude. It’s an event I look forward to with anticipation, as I know it’s more than just a ceremony. It’s an opportunity to stand with friends, old and new, to honor the families and names that have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our town, state, and country moving forward. It’s a moment to reflect on what makes our community strong, and a reminder that, no matter where you call home, having traditions that bring us together to give thanks is something truly special.

This year, the weather was unseasonably warm, and as I drove downtown in the morning, I felt a familiar sense of pride. I was eager to reconnect with old friends, to meet new faces, and to join the crowd in paying our respects. The streets were still damp from an early morning rain, but by the time the ceremony began, the sky had cleared, and the sun broke through the clouds—almost like a sign from above, just in time for the flags to flutter proudly at the memorial.

As I arrived, Sam Jones was busy preparing the flags and organizing the young men and women who would participate in the flag ceremony. Their discipline and respect for the occasion set the tone for what would be a moving event.

It wasn’t long before I saw a familiar face in the crowd—Damon Shackleford, an Army veteran who worked with me on my very first job at Captain D’s over 50 years ago. Damon’s smile hasn’t changed a bit, and he still has a wealth of stories from the past. He’s run several restaurants since then, and every year, we share a laugh and reminisce.

In the front row, I spotted Virgil Peters, one of the few remaining World War II veterans in Kingsport. At 98 years old, Virgil still attends every year, looking strong as ever. We’ve had many conversations about his life, including his time with his horse, Rebel, riding the Virginia Creeper Trail. This year, I had the pleasure of telling him how much I’ve enjoyed reading his book. His eyes lit up when I mentioned it, and I knew the story of his life would stay with me for years to come.

The City of Kingsport staff, despite it being a day off, were there in full force—City Manager Chris McCart, Mayor Paul Montgomery, former Mayor Pat Shull, and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. It was heartwarming to see such strong leadership, and as I spoke with Mayor Montgomery, I knew our town was in good hands.

The ceremony was also an opportunity to meet new people, and when I saw a t-shirt that read, “Grumpy Old Veteran,” I couldn’t help but smile. The man wearing it, Dominiq, had recently moved to Kingsport from the North. He was a member of the 101st Airborne, and as we spoke, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for veterans like him. I look forward to hearing more of his stories in the future.

As former Mayor Shull opened the ceremony, he mentioned Jim Henderson, the designer of the Kingsport Veterans Memorial, who was in attendance. Having spent years photographing this landmark, I’ve come to know it well—its history, its significance, and the tireless efforts of those who helped bring it to life. Jim and I had the chance to chat, and I was glad to thank him for his contributions and capture his image for the history books.

The ceremony was a truly moving experience, as the clouds parted and the sun bathed the memorial in light. The flags above began to flutter in the wind, and as the last of the autumn leaves fell, I took a moment to soak it all in. It was a perfect day, and I felt fortunate to have captured another collection of meaningful photos to add to the legacy of this event.

Afterward, I called my good friend, Dan Strickler, a Marine Corps veteran who has worked at the Kingsport Times-News for over 38 years. He reminded me that many local restaurants offer free meals for veterans on Veterans Day, so we headed to Applebee’s on Stone Drive. The line was long, and I was struck by the number of people honoring their service, but it was worth the wait. It felt good to be among so many others who share a common bond.

Dan, of course, had a wealth of stories from his time in the Marines, and it was fascinating to hear about his travels and his work in IT after leaving the service. He talked about his early days, joining the Marines right out of Central High School, and how they saw his talent for puzzles and pattern recognition. Little did he know that skill would lead him to a successful career in computer programming. His journey is a reminder that service to our country shapes us in ways we can’t always predict.

Today was another reminder of why I’m proud to call Kingsport home. It’s the simple gatherings, the chance to connect with friends and neighbors, and the honor of standing alongside our veterans that make this town special. I look forward to these moments every year, and I’m grateful for the chance to share them with all of you.

Be sure to check out the photos from the ceremony—capturing these moments and honoring those who served.