Latest news with #SmokyMountainThunderMemorialRide
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Fallen heroes' Local police, sheriff's offices post for Memorial Day
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Multiple local law enforcement offices posted Monday in observance of Memorial Day. 'Today, we pause to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day – a day of remembrance for the courageous men and women who have laid down their lives in service to our country,' the Knox County Sheriff's Office wrote. 'Their valor and selflessness have paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today.' Families and volunteers place flags to honor veterans on Memorial Day weekend The Madisonville Police Department, meanwhile, asked people to never forget the country's 'fallen heroes,' while other groups posted graphics like the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office which shared an image of marching soldiers and a graveyard of white crosses beneath the words 'Always Remember…' The Cocke County Sheriff's Office posted a quote from the popular song 'God Bless the U.S.A.' by Lee Greenwood: 'And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.' Gold Star Father shares about his veteran son while taking the last Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride 'Today, we remember and honor all who served and currently serve, as well as those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,' the University of Tennessee Police Department wrote. 'From our family to yours, we hope you have a safe and healthy Memorial Day.' 'Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness have secured the freedoms we cherish every day.' Anderson County Sheriff's Office Many other law enforcement groups posted as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gold Star Father shares about his veteran son while taking the last Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride, a heartfelt tribute to fallen military veterans. It's a bittersweet milestone as it's the final ride organized by longtime founders Ron and Sandy Giddis. Now although this was the final Smoky Mountain Thunder Ride, the tradition is not over quite yet. Vernon Gooden is now taking over for a new era, calling it the 'Smoky Mountain Memorial Ride' moving forward. Gold Star Father Gary Swanson has been a part of the Smoky Mountain Thunder Ride for 17 years. Multiple people injured in block party shooting, DA's office says Swanson talked about his son, Christopher, who died while serving in the military: 'His Bradley was hit by an IED, and he had staples in his leg. He could have chosen to take an R and R ten days before he was killed, but he wanted to be there for his guys, and because of that, he paid the ultimate sacrifice by a sniper in Ramadi, Iraq.' The ride spans five counties and covers 65 miles, escorted by police, before ending at Veterans Overlook with a wreath laying ceremony. For Swanson and many others this was their last time making the journey as a part of the original ride. '1.3 million people have given their life in the service of our country since we have been formed, and it's a blessing and what Ron and Sandy have accomplished. I couldn't be more proud of them, they're like family. It's going to be bittersweet, but I know there'll be something that continues on because we as a country, East Tennessee, the state of Tennessee, they're not going to forget about the ones who gave it all for our freedom,' added Swanson. Now with Ron Giddis stepping aside, the torch is being passed to Army Veteran Gooden, who says he's ready to take on the role of organizing a similar ride for years to come, carrying on a legacy and honoring those who gave their lives for our country. One dead in motorcycle crash in Jefferson County 'It's good to go out and have a picnic and enjoy the lake and the car sales, but at the end of the day, it's those 1.3 million people I talked about earlier with you that have gave up their todays so we could have our tomorrows,' Swanson said. As of right now, Gooden doesn't have specific details about the new ride, but information is planned to be shared very soon through social media. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
New splash pad opens at French Memorial Park in South Knoxville
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — A new splash pad opened at French Memorial Park in South Knox County. The official opening was at 10 a.m. Thursday with representatives from the Knox County Mayor's Office and the Parks and Recreation department as well as former Knox County Commissioner Carson Dailey. It is scheduled to be open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until mid-September. Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride gears up for final tribute 'This morning has been a vision for eight years that we would have a splash pad in South Knoxville,' Dailey said, a group of children playing in the water behind him. 'Nothing better than hearing kids having fun.' He said this project means a lot to the people of South Knoxville. With this new splash pad, the county will have one in all four geographic regions. The others are at the following locations: New Harvest Park (East) Carl Cowan Park (West) Powell Station Park (North) Joseph Mack, Senior Director of Parks and Recreation for Knox County, said that splash pads were one of the county's most frequently requested amenities, so they thought it was important to get one in every quadrant. Emory Valley Center continues to serve disabled community in Anderson County The splash pads in Carl Cowan Park and New harvest Park are currently closed while the department is 'working out the kinks.' The mayor's office announced the splash pad in March 2024, and officials broke ground in June 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride gears up for final tribute
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A ride paying tribute to our country's fallen heroes is preparing for its final ride. The 25th Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride will take place on May 25 at the Sevier County courthouse. Ron Giddis started the event after looking for a way to pay tribute to fallen military personnel for Memorial Day weekend. 'I couldn't find what I thought was 'it', so a friend of mine told me, 'Well, you know what to do about that.' So 25 years ago, we started one of our own that pays tribute to fallen military, particularly those killed in combat,' said Giddis. The opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m., but people are welcome to come early for breakfast. The ceremony will include an appearance by a bald eagle, placing a wreath at the Veterans' Monument, and 'taps.' The ride begins at 11 a.m. and will go 65 miles to Grainger County for the closing ceremony. 'We don't have a voice' Residents want answers as pipeline construction disrupts Sevier County community Once all the riders have reached the Veterans Overlook on Clinch Mountain, the closing ceremony will begin. Another wreath will be placed, and a 21-gun salute, followed by Taps, will conclude the event. Throughout the years, thousands of people have joined in the event, and it is one of the largest motorcycle ride events in East Tennessee on Memorial Day Weekend. The organizers hope this year can be their biggest in honor of their final ride. East Tennessee soldiers, sailors and Marines killed while on active duty with the United States military Anyone is welcome to join this free event, and those who do not wish to ride are welcome to watch from the road. For more information, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
