It's a name familiar to anyone who's ever been to Chattanooga.
Charles Coolidge is the man after whom Coolidge Park is named.
The World War Two Veteran is also one of the few recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor... our country's highest award.
Today, we remember his accomplishments ...and those of all veterans.
It was for the stars and the stripes...and the country it represents that Technical Sgt. Charles Coolidge fought during World War Two.
Decades later he still remembers details from the fierce battle in France that earned him the country's highest award.
Charles Coolidge, Medal of Honor Recipient, "I had a boy that spoke German. They got him when we were talking to him. They shot him, but I got him back to safety and he's still alive up in New York."
Now another honor for the local veteran.
A plaque now hangs at the veterans clinic in Chattanooga in appreciation of the American patriot and hero for exceptional bravery under fire in Europe from October 24th to 27th 1944.
It's recognition he proudly shares.
Coolidge, "I've been doing this for 67 years and it's always an honor when people honor the military. I look at it, they're not only honoring me, they're honoring all the men and women that served our country."
The ceremony comes as we celebrate Veterans Day Sunday.
Juan Morales, TVHS Health System Director, "We renew the committment America has made to those who served. We think of those who fought the decisive battles and have kept the fragile peace since the founding of our nation."
Local leaders hope everyone will join in their mission to preserve the memories of the great deeds of men like Technical Sgt Coolidge.
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, (R) TN U.S. District 4, "We have a great country because of the veterans who have served our nation well. Freedom isn't free. Freedom isn't easy. "
And remember the price paid for this land of the free
Singing the national anthem, "And home of the bave."
Coolidge is among around 3500 hundred people to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
