Published: March 28, 2008 08:10 am      

AROUND THE TOWN: Community welcoming veterans with open arms

It was one of the longest and most difficult conflicts for the United States: when America entered the Vietnam War in the early 1960s. Americans were divided on whether we should be involved in the war. I can remember as a young girl watching the nightly newscasts with my dad and feeling so badly for our soldiers and their families as the never-ending violence escalated. The hot jungles, land mines and guerrilla attacks were a mainstay on the evening news. At times, it seemed as if it would never end.

The violence was so extreme in that particular conflict that mental health professionals began noticing that many of those who had fought in war, particularly the Vietnam War, suffered a cluster of symptoms now known as post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which is characterized by anxiety, depression and flashbacks.

Vietnam veterans suffered not only during conflict, but when they returned home, because so many people had protested against the war, the veterans were not honored as previous war veterans had been with parades and celebrations. That, however, is about to change here in Cumberland County.

The first ever Welcome Home celebration for Vietnam veterans will be held Saturday morning at 8 a.m. through Sunday afternoon. You may have already noticed the flags hanging along Hwy. 127 in preparation for the weekend celebration. This event will feature a parade, programs, and speakers sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of Cumberland County.

The celebration will begin with a parade Saturday morning. It will feature bands, veterans, and two Miss Welcome Homes: Casey Scarlett, a sophomore at Stone Memorial High School, and Keeli Mjaatveit, a former actress/model who lives in Crossville with her husband and three children. Communities all across the state will be honoring those who served during that conflict with a variety of events this weekend.

Also on tap for this weekend: a huge block party on Fifth St. Everyone in the community is invited to participate in this gala that gets under way at 6:30 p.m. Friday night with live music by Rob and Earl Patton. You can watch the downtown mural be painted by local high school students on the Jane Powers Law Office building, shop with downtown merchants, and of course, eat from the food vendors!

The wall was primed earlier this week, and the muralist, Katie Yamasaki, of New York City, will oversee the mural. She is working in conjunction with the Crossville Arts Council. Students from Tennessee Technological Vocational Center power-washed and repainted the mural site.

At press time, it appears the weather would be cooperating with this event. However, a rain date of Saturday has also been set.

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Congratulations to the Cumberland County High School choir. The choir, led by Kathy Price Snow, won first place in their division and fourth place overall. Austin Price, local vocalist/actor/dancer and son of choir director Snow, won first place in the soloist division. The competition was held in Orlando, FL.

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If you are a member of the CCHS class of 1978, it's time for your reunion! A 30-year class reunion has been scheduled for Aug. 30 at the local National Guard Armory across from Kroger. Organizer Tim Blaylock says no invitations will be sent. The barbecue dinner/reunion will begin at 6:30 Aug. 30. You may contact Tim via e-mail at teblaylock@gmail.com for more information or by logging onto www.classmates.com or www.reunions.com. The cost is $20 per single or $35 per couple.

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The Obed Watershed Community Association needs volunteers, according to project director Dennis Gregg. The OWCA is working to protect and enhance the natural resources of our community according to their informational flier. The OWCA has a stream monitoring project, a stream walk, and regular water quality monitoring. If you are interested in nature, have a science orientation, or are just plain interested in assisting, contact Gregg at 484-9033. You can work with experienced staff and other trained volunteers on this beautification project.

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Watch the Chronicle for winners from the annual TAD Youth Center Talent Show. The 2008 contest is scheduled for Thursday night at the Palace Theatre. The 2007 13-20 year-old winner, Houston Vincent, also won the regional contest and $1,000 at the Knoxville A and I Fair in September.