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Kingsport Tomorrow is pleased that the Kingsport Veterans Park and Memorial has been completed. The Veterans Memorial is located in Kingsport at the front of J. Fred Johnson Park on Ft. Henry Drive. The centerpiece of the memorial is a square plaza of white granite with six 7-foot-tall black granite tablets, one for each war from World War I to Operation Iraqi Freedom and two for World War II. The names of the 370 Kingsport area residents killed in these wars are inscribed on one side of each tablet, and on the other side is a map of the theatre of operations as it looked at that time in history. Granite benches for visitors’ reflection are placed around the perimeter of the plaza. One large lighted American flag stands guard above the memorial plaza.
A monument recognizing each of the branches of the United States Armed Services is included, as well as a “purpose” monument.
Four massive rough granite elements are placed beside the two entrances into the memorial plaza. Project designer, architect Jim Henderson, purposed the boulders to symbolize the extreme conditions of war in which the 370 soldiers gave their lives.
Leading into the memorial plaza from both sides are two white granite Walks of Honor, bordered in blue. Each Walk of Honor is six feet wide and about sixty feet in length. The walkways are bordered by large red granite slabs, scored in 4.5” by 13.5” sections (pavers), with each paver bearing the name and personalized information of an American Veteran. The pavers are elevated at an appropriate angle for readability. The memorial pavers include veterans who are alive and deceased. All pavers were sold by May 2008.
The City of Kingsport leased the land on which the Memorial was built to Kingsport Tomorrow, Inc. for the construction phase. Upon completion, Kingsport Tomorrow gave the Memorial to the City, and it is now part of J. Fred Johnson Park. Construction began on July 21, 2008, and was completed by Veterans Day, November 11, 2008. The Dedication of the Memorial was held on Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. Hundreds of citizens from the surrounding area attended the celebration of this long-overdue salute to our veterans to honor their service and sacrifice. Orders are being taken for a DVD which highlights the construction of the memorial, contains photographs taken throughout the construction and dedication, and captures live coverage of the dedication ceremonies that were held on November 11, 2008. The DVD is $10 or 2 for $15, with shipping and handling of $5. Please contact the Kingsport Tomorrow office to reserve your copy. Phone - 423.246.2017
Attractive commemorative cards (7 1/2"x 7 1/2"), noting the location of each veteran's paver, were distributed at the Memorial's dedication. The cards that were not distributed may be picked up at the Kingsport Tomorrow office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Special permanent recognition at the site is noted for all individuals, organizations, and businesses who gave $1,000 or more to the project. Various architectural elements were also sponsored.
Our office has a waiting list of persons who wish to place names of military personnel at the site. This is being done, in case the city decides to expand the memorial by placing additional pavers. Please contact our office (423.246.2017) to place your name on the list.
Tax-deductible donations are still being taken to fund additions and upgrades at the site.
Donations may be mailed directly to:
Kingsport Tomorrow
214 Commerce Street, Suite 103
Kingsport, TN 37660
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Kingsport Tomorrow
Phone: (423) 246-2017 or Fax: (423) 224-2360
Email: staff@kingsporttomorrow.org
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