As May unfolds, we embark on Military Appreciation Month—a time to reflect on the sacrifices and valor of the brave men and women who have served our nation. From the Revolutionary War to the present day, countless Blount Countians have donned the uniform and served with honor and distinction in every branch of the military. Their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to duty have left an indelible mark on our community and our nation.
Blount County, then part of the frontier territory of North Carolina, played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. The region was inhabited by settlers who actively supported the American cause for independence. Several Blount Countians served in patriot militias and fought in pivotal battles such as King’s Mountain and Cowpens.
Situated in the heart of East Tennessee, Blount County was deeply divided during the Civil War. While the majority of residents remained loyal to the Union, there were also Confederate sympathizers in the area. Blount Countians fought on both sides of the conflict, and the county witnessed numerous skirmishes and military engagements, including the Battle of Fort Sanders in nearby Knoxville.
During World War I, Blount County contributed its fair share of soldiers to the war effort. Many young men from the area enlisted in the military and served in various capacities overseas. The community rallied behind the war effort through patriotic initiatives and fundraising campaigns to support troops on the front lines.
Blount County also made significant contributions to the war effort during WWII. The Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA), which operated aluminum plants in nearby Alcoa and Maryville, played a crucial role in producing aircraft parts and other materials essential to the war effort. Additionally, many Blount Countians served in the armed forces, with some making the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific.
Blount County continued its tradition of military service during the Korean War and Vietnam War with local residents serving bravely in these conflicts. Their sacrifices are honored and remembered by the community along with those who served before them on the Blount County War Dead Memorial in front of the Blount County Courthouse.
In more recent years, Blount County residents have served in the ongoing conflicts of the Global War on Terror, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other regions. The community has shown unwavering support for its servicemembers and veterans, recognizing their contributions and sacrifices.
As we reflect on the contributions of Blount County’s servicemembers, we must also honor the sacrifices made by their families. Behind every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine is a network of loved ones who provide unwavering support and encouragement. Whether enduring long deployments, facing the uncertainty of wartime, or coping with the loss of a loved one, military families exemplify the strength and resilience of the American spirit.
In addition to honoring our past, Military Appreciation Month also serves as an opportunity to support and uplift our current servicemembers and veterans many of those from McGhee Tyson ANGB. This base is the home of the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard, the 119th Command and Control Squadron the I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center, Air National Guard Band of the South, and the 1st Squadron, 230th Armored Cavalry Regiment’s Army Aviation Support Facility of the Tennessee Army National Guard. From hosting community events and fundraisers to volunteering with local veterans’ organizations, there are countless ways to show our gratitude and appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
As we observe Military Appreciation Month in Blount County, let us remember the words of President John F. Kennedy: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” May we honor the legacy of our servicemembers by living lives of courage, integrity, and service to others, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten and their legacy endures for generations to come.