Smyth prepares to celebrate Memorial Day
This coming weekend, Smyth County will once again observe Memorial Day with a full slate of activities in Marion.
In Chilhowie, Town Manager Brian Martin, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, reflected on the occasion in his May report to the council.
Martin said, “Later this month, our nation and our community will commemorate Memorial Day weekend. For many in our country, this is the kickoff of summer and a time to celebrate with backyard barbeques. I don’t want to dampen the fun of the holiday fun, but for those of us who have worn our nation’s uniform and our family members, the holiday means something else.”
“While Veterans Day is observed in November to honor all American veterans, Memorial Day is observed to honor those who have given their lives in defense of our country. For those of us who have lost friends or family members, the holiday is a time of conflicting emotions. For all Americans, it’s an opportunity to honor the young men and women who never made it home alive so that we can continue to enjoy the blessings of being able to live in the greatest country the world has ever known.”
Martin went on to remember Smyth County’s young men who fought in World War II “to save the world”. He reminded his readers that more than 30 of them were killed in action.
Events to remember those who gave their lives will begin on Sunday afternoon.
Letters From Home
At 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, the Lincoln Theatre will host Letters From Home, a show featuring Erinn Death and Dan Beckman. It infuses classic wartime music with a modern edge.
Letters From Home has performed more than 1,000 shows across the world, including singing at the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France; entertaining Battle of the Bulge veterans in Belgium; and completing a full 50-states tour in 2023. This year, the duo is bringing an updated show to Marion, highlighting pivotal moments in the nation’s military history, including a segment honoring Vietnam veterans.
The show is sponsored by the Town of Marion and VFW Post 4667. There is no charge to attend, and no reservation is needed.
For more information about The Lincoln Theatre and event tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call 276-783-6092.
Parade
The Memorial Day parade will take place on Monday, May 25. Lineup will begin at 9 a.m. near the Blue Ridge Job Corps.
VFW Post 4667 Commander Lester Owens emphasized that no political advertising is allowed in the parade.
The parade will travel down Main Street, ending at the town pool parking lot.
Owens said the Overmountain Men will take part and will fire muskets.
The American Legion Riders and Combat Riders will be riding together in the parade.
Ceremony & Community Cookout
A special ceremony will take place at the post home on Goolsby Street at noon. Retired U.S. Air Force officer Chris Dutton will speak. Dutton serves as the American Legion’s veterans’ services officer.
Following the ceremony, a free community cookout will take place.
