Veterans honored at Home Front Heroes Festival in Ringgold

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)Veterans from across Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama were celebrated Saturday during the Home Front Heroes Festival in Ringgold.

The event brought the community together for a day filled with veteran resources, live music, family activities, and a marketplace featuring 100-percent veteran-owned businesses. Organizers say the festival was created not only to honor those who served, but also to connect veterans with organizations and support systems available to them.

Joe Mason with American Legion Post 217 says many veterans often feel disconnected after their service.

“A lot of veterans can feel disconnected, overlooked, not heard,” Mason said. “Through these kinds of events, we get them connected and help them learn about organizations like the VFW and the American Legion.”

One of the most emotional moments of the day came during a special recognition ceremony honoring a local Korean War veteran. Mason says the veteran had been overlooked for recognition years ago, making the public presentation especially meaningful.

“God is the oldest member of our post,” Mason said. “He was overlooked whenever those awards were given out 25 years ago, and when I found out about that, I felt it was a great opportunity to honor him in a public setting and correct that oversight.”

Organizers say the long-term goal of the Home Front Heroes Festival is to create an annual tradition that strengthens the connection between veterans and the communities they served.

“We’re trying to connect veterans with resources and connect the community with veterans,” Mason said. “We want people to know how they can give back to our veteran community while also coming out and having a good time.”

The event also featured a food truck court made up entirely of veteran-owned businesses, along with military displays and activities for families throughout the day.