In Macon County, it’s not difficult to find people who deserve thanks for serving our country. On Aug. 28, now officially known locally as 828 Vets Day, it was even easier due to a special event that took over parts of Franklin.
Sponsored by 828 VETS, a group of veterans dedicated to helping veterans, Friday’s event was special because it was proclaimed officially by the town council.
828 Vets Day included events at the town gazebo with speeches, the Warrior Walk honoring veteran suicide victims, a silent auction and an evening social at Currahee Brewing Company.
The free event started with free coffee from Crabtree General Store and free donuts from Not Just Donuts. The walk was followed by special speakers, the annual competition among members and attendees called the Service Rivalry Games, lunch and live music.
In the evening, a special edition of the monthly community social was held at Currahee Brewing Company. There was more live music, raffles, and silent auctions, all topped off with a special 828 VETS brew.
Here are just a few of the sights around town. Early event photos by 828 VETS member Dan Finnerty. Currahee photos by member David Oakes.
The early events
Traditionally, the day starts off with the Warrior Walk. The 828 km walk commemorates military veterans lost to and struggling with suicide. The 5th Annual Warriors Walk was moved from its usual location on the Greenway in October to downtown for this occasion.
Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey attended and honored the 828 VETS organization and expressed his and the Town’s support of their efforts.
Keynote speaker Frank Castellano, U.S. Navy Captain and Commanding Officer of the USS Bainbridge, was instrumental in rescuing Captain Phillips (famously portrayed by Tom Hanks) in the Somalian region when pirates kidnapped 17 merchant marine civilians on the Mersk Alabama in April 2009.
Two of the oldest known surviving soldiers from World War II, Hoke Talmadge Henson, 101 (L), and Ralph Lincoln Myers, 100. Both are from Clay County.
The Missing Man Table, a constant at 828 VETS and other military events, honors prisoners of war and those missing in action.
A one-of-a-kind cake. Slices would be cut by the youngest and oldest active members of 828 VETS.
Fifteen students from the Franklin High School Public Safety Class, with 828 VETS leader Bill Garren, assisted Franklin’s police staff with road guard roles.
The community social
Currahee Brewing Company hosted the evening celebration for 828 VETS Day.
The event featured over 100 silent auction items donated to 828 VETS Day. Here are just some of the items at the evening auction.
828 VETS officers David Porter and Star Henderson celebrate a great event.
Bill Garren, retired U.S. Navy Captain and 828 VETS president, joined Porter with the special Currahee 828 VETS brew.
Porter, the owner of Hellcat Tattoo in Franklin, had no problem ensuring everyone enjoyed the social.
Thank you veterans for your service, and 828 VETS for your service to veterans.
And we know that to them that love God, all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.
