DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Even the sounds of a roaring train passing by the Tullahoma Memorial program at History Park could not drown out the sounds of patriotism as scores packed the park to show that they have not forgotten the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and women who gave their all in protection of liberty.

“May we never forget the meaning of Memorial Day,” said Tullahoma Mayor Ray Knowis in his opening remarks Friday morning. “Let us pay tribute to our fallen heroes and honor them not with just our words but also our actions.”

Famed author Dr. Elizabeth Taylor was keynote speaker during the annual Memorial Day observance Friday. She has penned scholarly books on the history of Camp Forrest and is considered one of the foremost experts on the history of the base.

“It’s been over 80 years since the sounds of Jeeps, tanks and planes could be heard in this area,” she said, referring to the hotbed of activity on the base as many were being trained to fight in World War II. “Think about the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who were training to battle the Axis Powers.”

She pointed out about 145,000 soldiers were inducted at Camp Forrest and that the cliffs around the area were used to train for the D-Day Invasion.

“One in eight of those who fought on the European Front were trained in Tennessee,” she said, pointing out that William Northern Airfield was also an important part of the war effort. “Camp Forrest and William Northern Field left an indelible legacy on not just this area, but the entire world.”

Following Dr. Taylor’s address, the Shady Grove Garden Club awarded $2,000 scholarships to three students, Karlee Works of Moore County, Caden Davis of Coffee County High and Brady Welch of Tullahoma. The scholarships were funded by the sale of pavers that line the Veterans Walk at History Park. This past year the Garden Club placed 29 new pavers.