BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – For decades, thousands of Americans have fought to protect our nation’s freedom, but not all made it home.

“It’s not about us veterans who are home,” said Todd McKinley, an Army veteran and member of the Sullivan County school board. “This is for those who didn’t make it home.”

In Sullivan County, dozens gathered on Monday to honor those lost during military service. McKinley said he was touched by the crowd.

“You had some elected officials show up, which is part of their duty,” he said. “But at the same time, you had just regular civilians and veterans showing up just to pay homage and pay their respects.”

The keynote speech was given by retired Marine and Kingsport Chamber President Miles Burdine. County Commissioner and Navy veteran Gary Stidham said he invited Burdine to speak on behalf of those who did make it home.

“One of those veterans out there that is on an island by themselves, now know that they’re not on that island by themselves,” he said. “And it may get them to seek help for their personal PTSD.”

Burdine said the service was a true tribute to fallen soldiers.

“The singing of the national anthem, the gun salute, the taps,” he said. “All of it is meant to remember those who gave it all.”

For the three men, it’s important to remember the reason behind Memorial Day.

“We are honoring and remembering those who fell in battle so that our families could enjoy today,” Burdine said. “Could go to the beach, to have the freedom to enjoy a picnic, to enjoy the freedom to have a barbecue.”

“A lot of blood was shed for us to be able to be free, to stay free,” Stidham said. “But if they would just take a moment and just say a little prayer for those families that have lost, I think that would be significant enough.”

The ceremony was held at Sullivan County Veterans Park, which opened in November 2024.