At the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, TN

At the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, TN after the June 16, 2017 naturalization ceremony. The sculpture is of the twin towers that were brought down by the terrorists on 9/11. The sculpture was made of pieces of steel from the rubble. Caren Lorelle, Susan Pluff, Carolyn Curtis and Dana Myers.

Welcoming new Americans

Saturday morning, June 16 we attended the naturalization ceremony for 78 new Americans. Everything about this event demonstrated the goodness of America. Hearing the voices of these beautiful new Americans who came here from around the world was such a clear reminder of the blessings we were given at birth. We joined members of Clinch Bend, Emory Road, and Andrew Bogle Chapters to welcome the men, women and children to their new lives as American citizens.

Senior Olympics

Marcia Long shows the awards she won in the Senior Olympics. She won fourth place in shuffleboard doubles, sixth place in high jump, seventh in triple jump, eighth in shot put, tenth in javelin, and eleventh in long jump. 
The ribbons were for fourth through eighth. 
Marcia makes us so proud!

Ceremony Honoring Veterans in Athens, TN

Sunday, June 4, the City of Athens held a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, to dedicate 85 new veterans’ bricks added to the Veterans’ Walk. This date also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway.

The Rhea-Craig Chapter purchased two bricks to be installed in the walk; one was for Rev. Joseph Rhea, the other was for Captain Robert Craig.  These patriot veterans, from the Revolutionary War, are the men for whom our chapter is named.

During the ceremony Alex Shelton sang the National Anthem and other patriotic songs; Congressman Chuck Fleischmann reminded us of the significance of the Battle of Midway and Rev. Clinton Elmer Riddle, one of the last living veterans of World War II, presided over the dedication of the new bricks. Rev. Riddle was in Company B 325^th Glider Infantry of the 82^nd Airborne Division in time to set sail for Africa on April 28^th 1943. He was also involved in Sicily, the Invasion of Italy, Ireland, England, the Invasion of Normandy, the Invasion of Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge. What a remarkable treat to be in the presence of this amazing man.

This was an exceptionally beautiful and emotional ceremony.  The patriotic music was uplifting, the speeches were poignant and, in spite of the heat and occasional rain, the crowd was inspired.