A very large crowd of veterans came to Memorial Park in downtown Crossville late this morning for the annual Veteran’s Day service. The Cumberland County Community Band performed patriotic music selections for the crowd and dignitaries in attendance prior to the service starting. Master of Ceremonies and Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox welcomed all and said that veterans, either currently serving or prior service, are the true heroes of today. Reverend Dr. James Janecek gave the invocation and the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 1015 of Crossville presented and posted the colors. Ms. Teri Utsey sang the national anthem and was followed by the Cumberland County community Band playing the service song medley. Children from Crab Orchard Elementary School then presented special cards of thanks made by the students to each veteran in attendance.

Crossville Mayor James Mayberry presented a proclamation in honor of the veterans. “We have a very large presence of veterans who reside in Crossville and in the county. It is very important to recognize all of them and let them know we all are very proud of them and their service,” said Mayberry.

Cumberland County Mayor Kenneth Carey Jr. then presented a proclamation for the veterans on behalf of the county. “It is very important to continue our Veterans Day service each year that way the younger generation will know and understand the valor and bravery each of these veterans have served our community and country with,” said Carey.

15^th District Tennessee State Senator Paul Bailey was the guest speaker for the service. Bailey commended all veterans for their service and on behalf of the State of Tennessee thanked them for their service. “In the 15^th district, every county has a program to honor out veterans. We want to show them respect, admiration, and just to say thank you for all they have done for us,” said Bailey.

Ms. Terri Utsey then performed the song “Thank You Soldiers” and Cox gave closing remarks to close out the service.

L to R – Lt. Richard Martin (U.S. Navy retired), Petty Officer Second Class Tim Claflin (U.S. Navy) and Commander Sgt. Major Henry Underwood (U.S. Army), all of Crossville

Vietnam Veterans of America Post 1015 of Crossville prepare to present the colors

(L to R) Hamby Camp 1750 Sons of the Confederate Veterans Commander Charles Ervin of Crossville and Michael Richardson of Athens, Tennessee

The Cumberland County Community Band performs

Master of Ceremonies Sheriff Casey Cox along with dignitaries at the service

Students from Crab Orchard Elementary School present special made cards to the veterans