In the 1920s, Garrison Park was home to the Crossville Blues, an amateur baseball team.
The area became a gathering spot for fans of the team and over time featured a number of amenities that nowadays include basketball courts, playground and a splash pad.
Last Saturday afternoon, the park hosted an event that captured the spirit of America’s pastime and further enhanced its reputation as a gathering spot for the community.
After the Cumberland County Veterans Parade disbanded on Main Street Saturday morning, the Field of Honor opened to the public at Garrison Park for the fourth year.
On Friday, volunteers from the Exchange Cub of Lake Tansi placed 700 3-by-5-foot American flags in the field.
Available for purchase, the flags honor veterans both living and deceased. As of Saturday, according to one volunteer, half the flags have been purchased.
Unlike the past several years, the opening ceremony was held indoors, in the TAD Center gymnasium next to the park.
It kicked off a series of programs that will culminate with the closing ceremony Saturday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m., at Garrison Park.
Hundreds of people sat and stood in the warm gym bounded by two basketball goals during the opening ceremony to listen to the Cumberland County High School Band and Cumberland County Elementary School Choirs perform patriotic songs and a number of speakers that included veterans and local elected officials.
Among the latter was Crossville Mayor R.J. Crawford, who spoke about the significance of the Field of Honor to the local community.
“This is another form of gathering, honoring those who served,” Crawford told the audience. “It’s a place to gather for people from all walks of life and creeds to come and break bread with one another.”
Another speaker was Vanessa Petty, a Marine Corps veteran and executive director for Habitat for Humanity. Whether in the military or as an executive with a nonprofit, she’s all about service and recognizing those who fought to preserve the very freedoms that are coming under increasing attacks.
“The Field of Honor is something great that unites us as the world is divided,” said Petty, whose four years in the Marines included time in Kuwait and Iraq.
“Serving is an honor and responsibility,” she added. “Service isn’t limited to the battlefield or barracks. Let’s remember service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. When we serve we honor those who came before us. Love people well and honor the spirit of those in every flag.”
Other speakers included Mark Pfaffenroth, a retired Navy veteran. President of the Military Memorial Museum of the Upper Cumberland and instrumental in the restoration of the gallery, he noted its importance to the local community and how adults tell him it was the highlight of the walking tour they took in fourth grade.
Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster also took to the stage. Although he didn’t serve in the military, Foster comes from a family of veterans and recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of those who wear the uniform.
“This is an incredible display and one of the most meaningful events in Cumberland County,” Foster said. “Freedom matters. It’s time to stop and reflect on what we have. Our kids need to understand why we’re here and how we got here. This is a chance to say thank you for those who didn’t wear the uniform.”
Among the attendees were Cumberland County couple Tom and Arlene Simmons. They attended the event for the second time.
“It was a very good program,” said Tom, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Army for 22 years. “It brings so many people out here. The cohesiveness is great. It’s good for young people to see. I don’t think they get enough about our country’s history. Seeing the flags brings back memories of the many people who didn’t return home.”
The 700 flags fluttering in the breeze also struck a chord with Arlene.
“This is breathtaking,” she said as she and her husband left the TAD gym and walked toward the sea of flags. “It’s beautiful anytime I see the American flag.”
Event sponsorships range from $250 to $5,000. Recognized as a Betsy Ross sponsor for a donation of $5,000 was Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service, which was presented with a textured wood flag made by Chris and Eileen Lewis.
All profits from the annual event go to various veterans groups in the community. The largest percentage goes to the Cumberland County Veterans Assistance Council, a nonprofit organization assisting veterans during emergencies and challenging times.
Flags feature a customized placard and ribbon and can be purchased for $35. Individuals purchasing a flag can pick them up Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.,at Garrison Park and Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Hiawatha Center in Lake Tansi or request to have them mailed.
Call event coordinator Jean Smith at 502-758-3593 for further information.