With Veterans Day just a couple of days out, Rolling Thunder – Chapter 4 did their part to honor veterans and police officers alike Wednesday morning.
The nonprofit organization held the “Honoring the BLUE with the Red, White, & Blue” ceremony inside the Jonesborough Visitor Center in Washington County. Rolling Thunder provided different police departments in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee – including Elizabethton and Carter County – with committal flags provided by Mountain Home VA in Johnson City while Chapter president Jeff Kilbourn expressed his thanks for their service to the region.
David Crockett High School provided assistance for the event with their Madrigal Singers serenading the crowd with renditions of the National Anthem, “In Flanders Field” and “Mansions of the Lord”. Along with the singers, the school’s Navy JROTC Color Guard performed the presentation of colors. Johnson City Police Department Chaplain Eileen Zoellner also provided the open invocation and benediction.
Guest dignitaries took to the podium Wednesday to express their thanks to both veterans and officers, including Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey.
“By the very nature of their calling, law enforcement put their lives on the line,” Humphrey said. “That training and courage keeps us safe. During peace and war, (veterans) steadfast commitment to safe principles was what this country was founded upon. Greatness is found in men and women who stand in front of oppression and conflict.”
State Rep. John Holsclaw, Jr., followed up the mayor’s sentiments by expressing his gratitude to the men and women that serve the country abroad and at home.
“The changes taking place will be awesome,” Holsclaw added about the recent presidential election win by Donald Trump – who actively talked about veterans rights. “My hats off to you all. I’m just so happy to be here today.”
The election night was all busy for U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, who won the First Congressional District with ease against challengers.
While adding that change is coming in the country, Rep. Roe thanked attendees and talked about his service to the country as a military veteran and having the opportunity to see what democracy can do in other countries, stating that Seoul has the largest Christian church in the world and that South Korea is able to hold free elections for a Prime Minister after serving 43 years ago in the DMZ zone.
Other individuals that spoke included Jonesborough Mayor Kelly Wolfe and Mayor David Helms on Marion, Va.