Veterans Day ceremony held at Chattanooga National Guard Armory

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Veterans across the country are honored on November 11 for their service and sacrifice.

Local Chattanooga veterans were commemorated on Saturday at the Chattanooga National Guard Armory.

State and city officials attended the event in observance of the holiday.

Chattanooga historian Linda Moss Mines received the rank of Colonel from Governor Bill Lee for her work and dedication to local veterans.

“As secretary of the veterans council, I work almost everyday with our veterans community– from our Generals, to our Privates, to our sailors, our airmen, infantry, Coast Guard, our Marines… For me to now have an official title that makes me one of the guys is pretty exciting,” Secretary of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council Linda Moss Mines said.

“Veterans Day has to be among my favorite days of the year. Because as a Historian, I’m well aware of how this republic is unique in the history of the world. A nation founded on the idea that men and women can govern themselves, that we have that ability as rational human beings, with the spark of divinity, to create a system of justice and equality and liberty. To be able to celebrate that on Veterans Day, because it’s those men and women who have donned the uniform and stood on the line… Who have given years out of their lives to be sure that I, a historian, can live in a free world. What an incredible day to say thank you to the veterans of this community… And to now sort of officially be among them. That’s pretty exciting,” Mines said.

Retired U.S. Navy Captain, Mickey McCamish shared what he hopes to see in future generations in observance of Veterans Day.

“What you hope is that with the generations that are coming on, the future generations, that they remember us the old generations. And today, having grandchildren here, having younger students here, it just reinforces that that memory will exist and the values of freedom will not be lost. It will continue for many generations to come,” McCamish said.

There was a significant turnout from the Chattanooga community at the National Guard Armory Saturday morning.

Mines went on to explain that Chattanooga is one of the most patriotic cities in the country.

“We are the most patriotic city in the nation. We will stage Armed Forces Day Parade the first Friday in May of next year. 75 years without having a break in that parade. We are that patriotic city, because we have an engaged, informed citizenry and that’s what we have to have for us to remain free. This republic will last only as long as we are that engaged community. There was an incredible turnout today. Thank you Chattanooga for caring. Thank you for living your beliefs everyday,” Mines said.