Groundbreaking set for Bledsoe County Veterans Park

When completed, the Bledsoe County Veterans Park will cover 6,400 square feet and include granite monuments to the five branches of the military.
When completed, the Bledsoe County Veterans Park will cover 6,400 square feet and include granite monuments to the five branches of the military.

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A groundbreaking ceremony will be held 10 a.m. CDT Monday at the future site of the Bledsoe County Veterans Park on Main Street at the corner of Cumberland Avenue.

Bledsoe County officials will break ground Monday on a new downtown park to recognize the county's military veterans, their service and sacrifices.

John Hargis, member of the Bledsoe County Veterans Park organization, says the site is on the property that was once home to the old Fabric House. The site is now cleared.

"The site of the park will be on Main Street next to the county courthouse and will be the centerpiece and focal point for the entire, newly renovated downtown area," Hargis said of the now-completed streetscaping project and new farmers market next to the park.

According to plans for the 6,400-square-foot park, granite monuments to the five branches of military service will stand on a five-point star on a crab-orchard stone floor with bench seating arranged in a circle around it. A "walk of honor" made of brick pavers will surround the circle of benches.

"There will also be a wall with granite tablets for the names of veteran friends from outside Bledsoe County," Hargis said. A stone wall will stand between the park and farmers market, he said.

Hargis said Lorenza Wills, assistant commissioner of the East Tennessee branch of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, will be the keynote speaker. Others expected to attend include state Rep. Ron Travis, state Sen. Paul Bailey, Pikeville Mayor Phil Cagle and Bledsoe County Mayor Gregg Ridley.

The nonprofit Bledsoe County Veterans Park organization is accepting tax-deductible donations. Hargis said those who want to place names on the monuments can contact the Bledsoe County Veterans Affairs office online at bledsoecountyveteranspark.org to fill out an application or call 423-447-6731.

Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or twitter.com/BenBenton or www.facebook.com/ben.benton1 or 423-757-6569.

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