Memorial Day tribute Local fallen honored at ceremony
By Joan Garrett jgarrett@timesfreepress.com
Online: See a slide show and a video of the Memorial Day festivities at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Comment. More than 1,500 people gathered at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday for a tearful Memorial Day tribute to military servicemen and women. U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., called on the community to continue to support military families and returning veterans throughout Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia. “It is the families that have to endure the heartache,” Rep. Wamp said. “It is the families that pay the price.” Rep. Wamp said veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have an “unacceptable suicide rate,” and some of that can be attributed to the stresses of multiple deployments, he said. “We should all strive to serve those who serve us in uniform,” Rep. Wamp said. Wanda Colston Gee, 65, of Whitwell, Tenn., was one of many military widows at the ceremony. Her husband, James D. Gee, fought in the Army during the Vietnam War and died from exposure to Agent Orange, she said. Military officials gave her and other widows, the Gold Star Wives, white roses during the ceremony to commemorate their sacrifice. “It was beautiful,” said Mrs. Gee, who was dressed all in yellow. “The service was patriotic and honored the good God above.” Staff Photos by Margaret Fenton U.S. Army Sgt. Terona Chivers, a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a recipient of the Purple Heart, waits to carry an American flag into the Memorial Day service at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Charlie Hobbs, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Tennessee State Council and Chapter 203, speaks to a crowd gathered for the Memorial Day service at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Ron Laqua, former petty officer first class in the U.S. Navy, sings “God Bless America” at the close of a Memorial Day service at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
