It was an event to honor those who served as Franklin County Veterans, leadership, and community members came together at the Franklin County Farmer’s Market Pavilion last week on Veteran’s Day. An annual event, attendees were provided with vocal performances by Johnny, Jena, and Jada Hand, and had the opportunity to hear from United States Army Veteran guest speaker, SSG Tim Lee.
Welcoming those in attendance was Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess.
“To all veterans, thank you.”, stated the mayor. “You cannot put it any more direct, heartfelt or simple, other than just thank you. You’re the reason we’re able to live in this country and live the way we do, believe in the things we believe in, and express our ideals and opinions the way we can because of what you sacrificed. We love you for it and we appreciate it.”
Mayor Guess also thanked the veteran’s families for the sacrifices they make on behalf of their loved one’s service. He thanked everyone in attendance and echoed that attendance reflects interest, reminding those how important it is to support organizations that work on behalf of veterans.
Introducing the guest speaker was VFW Post 1893 Commander, Beri Frailey. Frailey spoke briefly of his own military service and the Vietnam War Memorial Wall that recently traveled through the Franklin County community, stating how profound and personal that event was to him. He then went on to introduce the highlighted speaker of the event, United States Army Veteran SSG Tim Lee.
Guest speaker Tim Lee was born and raised in Franklin County and started his military career in 1983 at Fort Bliss Texas. He was later stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and then returned home to Franklin County where he joined the local unit until 1998, when he transferred to a unit in Tullahoma. During his time there, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and retired in 2005. He currently serves as a Junior Vice Commander for VFW Post 1893. He was awarded a Bronze Star with a valor device, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and numerous state awards.
Lee began his time at the podium by thanking all of his brothers and sisters in arms for their service.
“You are who has kept this nation safe and free.”, stated Lee. “No matter which branch you served in, what your job was, or how many years you served, raising your hand and committing yourself to service in the military was a brave and selfless act. One that resulted in few guarantees of where you would be assigned, whether or not you would be deployed, and, in some cases, if you would make it home in one piece or not at all.”
He went on to state that veterans make up only 6.1 percent to 6.4 percent of the adult population, according to census data taken from 2023 to 2025. These numbers and percentage rates have been declining since the 1980’s when it was reportedly up to 18 percent. And the remaining, living World War II veterans make up only one half of a percent of the population.
“If you stop and think about it, we’re losing them pretty quickly now.”, stated SSG Lee.
He then asked if any World War II veterans were present, and one gentleman, sheltered from the cold in a car beneath the pavilion, was quietly acknowledged.
“What is a veteran?”, asked Lee. “A veteran is someone who served their nation, in war or in peace time, of any race or religion, young or old, male or female. Five words that describe a veteran are experience, discipline, brave, seasoned, and loyal. These words highlight their deep expertise, adherence to the rules and structure, courage in the face of danger, extensive time in service and a strong sense of duty.”
Lee reflected on how the course of American history might have changed during pivotal wars if not for the courage and sacrifice of veterans, both past and present. He reminded the audience that the freedoms Americans enjoy today are not guaranteed in every nation and are owed in large part to those who have served.
“All of our veterans have protected our democracy, our freedom, our way of life.”, said Lee. “We honor and thank them today. And tomorrow, we must continue to honor them. They have given us the chance to live in freedom today and an opportunity to look forward to tomorrow.”
The invocation and benediction of the ceremony were both delivered by United States Army Veteran Reverend Charley Watkins. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by United States Army Veteran Major Lennie Bruno, and the National Anthem was performed by Jada and Jena Hand.
The program closed out with a performance of Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA, sang by Johnny Hand. Beri Frailey invited all veterans and families out to the VFW Post 1893 for a free meal and gave an honorable mention to the flags that were placed throughout the county, noting that a total of 1,017 flags had been put on display this year. Taps was played by Clinton Vincent as a final note, honoring those who served.
