November is known for many things, including gathering friends and family together for elaborate Thanksgiving Day feasts. However, the month also has a much deeper meaning. It is a time to pause and give thanks for all our blessings, and to express our gratitude to the men and women who have made it possible – our armed forces veterans.
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson established Armistice Day, which was designated to honor the service and sacrifices of American veterans every November 11. 35 years later in 1954, Congress and President Dwight Eisenhower renamed the holiday to Veterans Day. Since then, the day has served as a time for grateful citizens across the nation to come together to celebrate all veterans.
Each year, Sumner County turns out in force to honor the service of local veterans. While some people choose to commemorate the time with private ceremonies, most locals turn out for two of the area’s signature events – the annual Hendersonville and Gallatin Veteran’s Day parades.
At each parade, hundreds of well-wishers line the streets in both cities to show their support for their hometown heroes. Both celebrations feature a variety of entrants, including veteran honorees, local dignitaries, scout troops, clowns, JROTC teams and marching bands. Many parade participants ride atop colorfully decorated floats, while others chose to march along the parade routes.
“Veterans Day parades are significant to local veterans because it is a tangible public recognition for their service to our great nation and the sacrifices that they and their families made while fulfilling their obligation to keep our country safe,” says local veteran and Hendersonville parade organizer David Moomy. “Veterans Day also offers an opportunity for veterans to reflect on their own tours of duty in their respective armed service and the comradeship they developed with their fellow veterans. The parades are special celebrations that honor our past and present veterans.”
For many years, Sumner County resident and Fox 17 News Anchor Scott Couch has proudly emceed the Hendersonville Veteran’s Day parade. He has a long-standing respect for those individuals who have served their nation.
“I was born in Nebraska where my father was stationed at the time in the Air Force,” says Scott. “Service to our nation has always been something I respect. Lending my voice to our Veteran’s Day parade is a chance to express that respect and gratitude.”
This year’s Gallatin Veterans Day parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, and the Hendersonville parade will be held on the following day, Sunday, Nov. 10.