In Germany Oktoberfests are about more than just drinking beer, according to John W. Dale, 82, who immigrated from Hanover, Germany, in 1945.

“Everybody becomes one big family,” he said. “They play music, and people sing to the music and they lock their arms together and swing back and forth.”

At the local celebration at the Chattanooga Market on Sunday, Mr. Dale wore his traditional green wool festival hat decorated with a sprig of a goats beard, or “Gemsbard,” for good luck, edelweiss pins and other mementos from celebrations past.

Having fought in World War II on both sides — he was briefly a member of the Germany army before coming to the U.S. and joining the U.S. Marine Corps — Mr. Dale said he believes events like Oktoberfest have the power to help people overcome political and other differences.

For complete coverage see tomorrow’s Times Free Press.

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