Lane Funeral Home & Crematory-South Crest Chapel in Rossville is honoring and showing appreciation to the nation's veterans July 21 with its first-ever Appreciation Day.
"Our area has a large veteran community and this is our way of saying thank you for what they do for us," said South Crest Chapel managing partner Jason Cox.
He said the event, set to begin at 10 a.m., is a time for the whole community to fellowship together. South Crest Chapel family services counselor Susan Tankersley said the event is open to everyone at no cost and will include authentic World War II military vehicles, a raising of the flag, 21-gun salute, patriotic music as well as family-friendly activities.
Food will be served picnic style. A Coke wagon will be present and hot dogs and ice cream will be sold.
Tankersley is organizing the event and said she is looking forward to honoring veterans with special activities during the celebration.
"They give the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," she said.
An honorary ceremony for veterans is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. during Appreciation Day.
Cox said he and staff decided to separate the event from the Fourth of July because they didn't want to take veterans away from time spent with their family during the holiday.
If groups would like to participate in Appreciation Day the invitation is open to all. Those interested should contact Lane Funeral Home at 706-866-5151. American Legion, Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Daughters of the American Revolution and Wives of the Revolution are of few of the organizations already set to honor veterans during the event.
Tankersley said she will try to make sure each group and organization represented has an opportunity to speak during Appreciation Day.
Military services are a major asset to the funeral home, according to Cox.
Participating in funeral military services is strictly volunteer, he said. Members from participating organizations perform the 21-gun salute, flag folding and Taps customary at military funeral services, and also provide pallbearers for veterans.
"They are always there and say, 'What do you need?'" Cox said. "They are out there in the rain, snow, sleet and 105-degree weather."