Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Residents and visitors can celebrate America’s service men and women tomorrow at three Veterans Day events planned in Sevier County.
The following Veterans Day celebrations will be held in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. All events are free and open to the public.
Sevierville Veterans Day Event
The annual Sevier County Veterans Day Program will start at 11:00 a.m. outside the Sevier County Courthouse, 125 Court Ave. in Sevierville, Tenn. It will feature a musical performance by the Christian Academy of the Smokies and flyover by the Warbirds of America, along with traditional activities such as a Posting of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and MIA-KIA Ceremony. State Senator Doug Overby will be the guest speaker. Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters and representatives from local Veterans’ organizations will attend.
Pigeon Forge Veterans Day Parade
The City of Pigeon Forge will hold the 4th Annual Salute to Veterans Parade at 4:30 p.m. The parade will star at Jehu St. (near traffic light #10) and end at Patriot Park on Old Mill Ave. Ed Taylor, the oldest Veteran living in Sevier County, will act as the Grand Marshal. The parade will also feature bands, seasonal floats and performers from local shows. The 25th Annual Winterfest kickoff for Pigeon Forge immediately follows the parade.
Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration
The City of Gatlinburg will honor Veterans at its annual Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration, 11:00 a.m. at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. U.S. Congressman Phil Roe will be the keynote speaker at the event. WVLT-TV Anchor Ted Hall will act as master of ceremonies. There will be performances by the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus from Fort Bragg, N.C. and the Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Band. Members of the Gatlinburg American Legion will participate in the ceremony.
Veterans Day Discounts
Here is a list of Gatlinburg hotels, motels, attractions, restaurants and businesses that offer Gatlinburg military discounts.
The Titanic in Pigeon Forge is offering free admission to past and present military service men and women through Nov. 15, 2014. Guests must present a Military ID/Papers. One comp admission per ID, other guests in their party can receive the regular military discount. Call 800-381-7670 for reservations.
The Pigeon Forge Hospitality Association and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede are hosting a special luncheon for Veterans on Nov. 13, 2014. Click here for details.
USA Today reports a number of Veterans Day discounts, including restaurants offering free meals.
