Veterans Day in the Smoky Mountains: Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes
There are very few places that put as much pride in celebrating the sacrifices made by America’s service men and women as the Smoky Mountains. Here, we have not only one but two thrilling events that families and guests can enjoy on November 11, 2014.
Both of these Smoky Mountain events are centered around honoring our nation’s heroes, as well as creating a fun and memorable atmosphere that you and your family are sure to remember.
Read below to learn more about all of the exciting ways you and your loved ones can celebrate Veterans Day in the Smoky Mountains this year!
(See Related: 8 Unique Ways to Celebrate Smoky Mountains Winterfest)
Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration
Completely free to attend, this year’s Veterans Day Celebration in Gatlinburg will be held outside of the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smoky Mountains. Beginning at 11 a.m., guests will enjoy a variety of patriotic activities including music, recognition of veterans in attendance, remembrance of fallen soldiers, an American Bald Eagle presentation, a military flyover, as well as speeches from several honorable guests.
The city of Gatlinburg’s Veterans Day Celebration is one of the few events throughout the country to be considered an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day. This prestigious honor was granted to the city by the Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Event Summary:
Location: Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza in Gatlinburg
Time: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Click here for directions to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg.
Pigeon Forge Veterans Day Celebration
If you and your family plan on spending Veteran’s Day in Pigeon Forge, be sure to check out the 4th Annual Salute to Veterans Parade. Featuring celebratory bands, holiday-themed floats, and thrilling entertainers, this year’s Salute to Veterans Parade is not one that you will want to miss!
The parade route will extend from Traffic Light #10 to Traffic Light #7 along the north side of the Pigeon Forge Parkway before concluding at Patriot Park.
Immediately following the parade, city officials with Pigeon Forge will also be kicking off their 25th annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest celebration. Families from all over will enjoy delicious food, live entertainment and tons of fun things to do, all in anticipation for another memorable winter in the Smoky Mountains.
Be sure to bring your camera because you and your family will want to capture all the new fun memories you made at this year’s Veterans Day parade and Winterfest kickoff in Pigeon Forge.
Event Summary:
Location: Patriot Part, 186 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN, 37863
Time: 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Click here for directions to Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge.
Sevierville Veterans Day Celebration
Featuring live music, the Sevier County Veterans Day Program, held at the Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville, will begin at 11 a.m. Members of both the local and state government will be present to give speeches honoring America’s service men and women, including Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters and State Senator Doug Overbey. Concluding the ceremony, guests will enjoy a special flyover by the Warbirds of America.
Event Summary:
Location: Sevier County Courthouse, 125 Court Ave., Sevierville, TN, 37862
Time: 11 a.m.
Cost: FREE
If you would like to learn more about the upcoming Smoky Mountains Veterans Day celebrations, events or any other upcoming festivals in the area, be sure to check out our Smoky Mountain Events Calendar under the What To Do tab on our website. There, guests will find everything they need to know about all the events, festivals, concerts and shows coming soon to our area.
