Latest news with #RickEldridge
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘I remember him every Memorial Day' Vietnam veterans in Hamblen County remember those they served alongside
HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — At the Hamblen Memory Gardens and Mausoleums, there was a wreath laying ceremony and remembrance conducted by the Vietnam Veterans of America. Every year, Hamblen Memory Gardens hosts a Memorial Day service followed by a small community cookout. It's a tradition meant to honor those who sacrificed their tomorrow for our today. 'Memorial Day is for those who never took their uniform off' Knoxville veterans honor fallen service members 6 News spoke with veterans and residents remembering the servicemen and women who lost their lives while serving this country. People at the event shared what Memorial Day truly means to them. They also shared stories about the friends and family they are honoring. 'Growing up, I didn't realize the significance of it until I got older, and I started having some of my cousins, some of my older cousins going to Vietnam. And I think that's when I started really paying attention to what was going on. A lot of people, its over time, it's lost a lot of its meaning… kind of blends in. It definitely needs to be about those that paid the ultimate price for our freedoms here,' explained Rick Eldridge, the state representative for Granger and Hamblen Counties, who shared a few words at the event. Three adults, three children rescued after watercraft hit a tree on Pigeon River The service took place in the special veteran's portion of the garden where the Vietnam Veterans of America placed American flags beside each grave. For Vietnam veteran Marvin Gilliam, Memorial Day brings back powerful memories of those who served by his side. 'I remember a couple of guys that I went to high school with, we joined the Marine Corps close together, and two of us went to Vietnam together. One was one of my friends was in the infantry. We graduated from West Green High school up in Greenville, and he came home and he passed away later due to Agent Orange…and I remember him every Memorial Day,' said Gilliam. Eldridge shared he was honored to speak at the event and reminded those who gathered why taking time to reflect is so important. 'I know it's important to gather with your family and everything but, it's important to take a moment and say, I remember the families that have an empty spot at their table today. I think that's just a matter of respect and that's what we should do,' added Eldridge. East Tennessee soldiers, sailors and Marines killed while on active duty with the United States military Despite the rain, many people stayed to take a private moment to visit their loved ones who were laid to rest in the garden. Executive Director of the gardens, Pam Walker, shared with 6 News that they plan to continue to hold this ceremony for years to come and will always reserve spaces in the veterans garden for those who served. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bean Station sewer project gets $1.5 million in state funding
BEAN STATION, Tenn. (WATE) — $1.5 million in state funding was approved for the Town of Bean Station to begin its sewer project. The project will connect Bean Station to the city of Morristown's wastewater treatment facility. This aims to reduce costs for residents while ensuring more efficient, reliable service for the community. The funding comes from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's (TDEC) Water Regionalization Project. Concerns over planned 'micronation' in Hawkins County 'This project is a game-changer for growth in the Bean Station community, opening the door for new businesses, restaurants and opportunities,' said State Rep. Rick Eldridge. 'Local leaders have worked tirelessly to help secure this funding, and I'm deeply grateful to the General Assembly and TDEC for recognizing this need. I look forward to seeing the project break ground soon!' This initiative's goal is to strengthen that state's arterial infrastructure. TDEC received more than $1.3 billion from the state's American Rescue Plan funds to administer grants like the one to Bean Station. The grants can be used for projects focusing on drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects focused on regionalization, water reuse and resource protection. Regionalization is when a smaller utility system is consolidated into a larger network. KPD, YWAC investigating after two dogs found abandoned This is not the first time Bean Station has been given a grant from the state's American Rescue Plan funds. In April 2023, Bean Station was given a $3,949,472 grant to address critical system needs for several utility systems and develop an Asset Management Plan. The projects funded include improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection system, and meter and water line replacements and extensions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
