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ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — On Friday, Governor Bill Lee embarked on a tour of the Tri-Cities as part of a statewide initiative to mark an early celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Accompanied by First Lady Maria Lee, the governor is on a mission to visit each of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
“We’re on this journey to meet with Tennesseans, to shake hands, and to remind everyone to put aside our differences and focus on what unites us—the fact that we reside in the greatest nation on earth,” Governor Lee expressed.
During Friday’s tour, Governor Lee’s itinerary included visits to two of Tennessee’s historic towns, starting with a stop in Rogersville.
Rogersville Mayor John Metz expressed his gratitude for the governor’s visit, acknowledging the significance of his presence in the community.
“Gov. Lee has been very supportive of our community and the region. Rep. Hicks, Sen. Harshbarger. They’re a great team. We work well together,” Metz said.
The second stop was in Jonesborough.
Jonesborough Mayor Kelly Wolfe told News Channel 11 that it’s always a good day when the governor is in town.
“I think the governor, coming to the end of his term, is certainly aware of the fact that Northeast Tennessee has been very supportive of him, and through everything over the last eight years that has happened, the governor has been incredibly supportive of Northeast Tennessee,” Wolfe said. “We’re very thankful for him. It’s America’s 250th birthday. And for all but three of those years, Jonesborough has been a town.”
According to Lee, the goal for him and the first lady is to get to all 95 counties before the 4th of July.
“It has a lot of history in the beginnings of Tennessee’s history, and Tennessee’s contributed greatly to this country and to what’s made America the country that it’s become,” Lee said. “So we celebrate not only today, but we remember our past as well.”
Lee told News Channel 11 that so far, they have made it to 60 counties.