Veterans Heritage Site Foundation

HONORING OUR GSMNP VETERANS

Veterans Heritage Site Foundation will host their “Honor Our Great Smoky Mountain Veterans” Day at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend on June 15, 2024 stating at 11 AM. VHSF will be honoring the veterans that were buried in the Park.  There are over 245 veterans buried in over 63 sites within the Park.

We will be recognizing specifically the World War II veterans and their descendants.  There are over 50 World War II veterans buried in the park. There are 4 WWII veterans who left the cove and were lost in the war.  Also Sonja DuBois, a Hidden Survivor of the Holocaust will be a speaker.  Chris Magra, Director of  the UT Center for  Tennesseans in War  will present history of how the  WWII effected the area.

We also are planning to honor WWII veterans who are in attendance.  Bernard Myers will be describing the day that his father heard about Pearl Harbor and what he did that day in Cades Cove since his family still lived the park. Casey Wheeless, WVLT Anchor, will be the MC.

Other speakers are being lined up to help tell the story of these veterans in the Park and to recognize those present.  VHSF, the Appalachian DAR District, and other organizations will be presenting information and helping with the program.  Cavett Station DAR Chapter will be setting up an honor table for families to bring pictures of their loved ones who have passed, but served during World War II.

More specifics for the program will be announced later such as Quilt of Valor presentations and 50^th Year Commemorative Pin presentation to Vietnam Veterans.  If you would like more information or like to participate please contact:

Marilyn Childress, VHSF President, 678-920-1989.

marilyn.childress@veteransheritagesite.org