Clarence Merritt spent 26 years in the Navy and says he'd go back tomorrow if they needed him.
As the post commander of the Collegedale-Ooltewah VFW chapter, he's not alone.
"There are a lot of good guys around here who were willing to serve, and did," said Merritt. "There are over 51,000 veterans buried in Chattanooga."
This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the local VFW and the East Hamilton community are honoring those who have served as part the annual festivities held at Veterans Memorial Park in Collegedale.
At 2 p.m., the program, which features the Ooltewah High School ROTC, the Collegedale Academy orchestra, a prayer, a tribute by Collegedale Mayor John Turner, special guest state Sen. Bo Watson and a blessing of all veterans, will begin.
The event was scheduled so that people can also attend the event at the National Cemetery downtown prior to the Collegedale event if they choose, and those in Collegedale are hoping for a good turnout.
"It's a time to honor those guys who've served," said Merritt. "Please come out and honor those veterans who've served our country, both living and dead."