The Kings Mountain Post 24 of the American Legion will kick off Memorial Day ceremonies in Washington County on Monday morning.
The service organization will host its annual observance at the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue in front of Johnson City’s Memorial Park Community Center.
Memorial Day events will end at 6 p.m. with a ceremony at the Johnson City/Washington County Veterans Memorial located near the entrance to the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home.
Originally known as Decoration Day, Congress voted in 1971 to rename the observance as Memorial Day and to designate the last Monday in May as the day to remember those who have died in this country’s service.
Mary Engelman, commander of the American Legion Post 24 in Johnson City, said Memorial Day is a time to show respect for all fallen veterans and their families.
“I would like everyone just to take a few moments out of their busy day of family, friends, hotdogs and hamburgers just to remember the Fallen Heroes who fought and died so that we can live in a free nation,” she said.
On Memorial Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff until dusk.
Ceremony At The Doughboy
The American Legion will begin Memorial Day events in Washington County at 9 a.m. with a public ceremony to be held near the Doughboy statue, which is located across the street from the city’s Municipal and Safety Building.
In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the American Legion Hall located nearby at 409 E. Market St., Johnson City. Signs will be posted at the Doughboy directing attendees to the alternate venue.
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A wreath will be placed below the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue at Memorial Park Community Center in memoriam of the fallen soldiers.
Ember Brummitt/Johnson City Press
The observance will begin with the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, a brief review of the origins of Memorial Day, which began as a day to honor those who died in the Civil War, will be presented by American Legion historian Allen Jackson.
At the conclusion of the event, a wreath will be presented at the foot of the Doughboy statue.
The Doughboy was originally presented to city officials by the American Legion in 1935 and now features bronze placards honoring those who served during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa.
Mountain Home Observance
A Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City The event will be held at Scouts Field near the VA’s main bandstand and flag pole at Dogwood Avenue.
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Participants honor the flag at the 2022 Memorial Day event hosted by the Kings Mountain Post 24 of the American Legion in front of the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue.
Johnson City Press
Signs will provide directions to the service.
The Mountain Home National Cemetery will be open throughout the day for local residents to pay their respects.
Memorial Day in Jonesborough
A ceremony will be held in front of the historic Washington County Courthouse, 100 E. Main St., Jonesborough, beginning at noon on Monday. The observance will include a color guard presentation by the Daniel Boone High School Junior Marine Corps (JROTC).
Patriotic musical performances will be provided by the Appalachian Express Chorus, Jonesborough Repertory Theatre and local performer Scott Wild.
As part of the Memorial Day weekend, The Jackson Theatre will also host free film screenings of iconic war movies sponsored by McLeod Organics.
On Saturday, “Sergeant York” will be presented at 3 p.m., followed by “Hacksaw Ridge” at 7 p.m.
“Patton” will be shown on Monday at 3 p.m.
While these movie screenings are free of charge, attendees must reserve tickets online in advance. Details and ticket reservations can be found at thejacksontheatre.com.
Event At The Veterans Memorial
Monday’s Memorial Day observances in Washington County will conclude at 6 p.m. with the Johnson City/Washington County Veterans Memorial Foundation holding its annual ceremony.
The event will be held at the Johnson City/Washington County Veterans Memorial, which is located at the west end of Kiwanis Park at the corner of West Market Street and Veterans Way in Johnson City.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Kiwanis Park multi-use building.
Music will be provided by Miss Johnson City Lily Brock, Joe Gumina, Brittany Kyte Whitson and members of the Tri-Cities Brass Ensemble.