Local organizations plan weeklong 9/11 memorial, parade

In a year filled with historic commemorations, the Mary Blount Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is preparing to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. 'While remembering the Revolutionary War and preserving the history and honor of those who served is the foundation upon which the DAR was founded, one of our core pillars is also historic preservation,' said Linda Miller, regent of the Mary Blount Chapter. With this year marking a quarter-century since the attacks, Miller said chapter members wanted to commemorate the anniversary while also reaching younger generations who may have little or no personal memory of Sept. 11.'This is one event where many of us will always remember where we were that day, but there are also many young adults and youth now who didn't experience it firsthand,' Miller said. 'We want to highlight the event, honor those who lost their lives and recall what it meant for our country.' Reaching young people outside the classroom to talk about history can be difficult, particularly when the subject is an event as tragic as Sept. 11. Rather than try to bring young people to the history, Miller said the Mary Blount Chapter is bringing the history to them. Beginning Monday, Sept. 7, the chapter will present 'Illuminating the Sacrifices Made for the Blessings of Liberty' near the main entrance of Foothills Mall, across from the AMC theater. 'We're going to have a memorial book for folks to sign, all kinds of flags and two banners that go over the events of the day,' Miller said. A memorial table and wreath will complete the display. The exhibit will remain in place throughout the week. On Friday, Sept. 11, DAR volunteers will distribute 'Never Forget' ribbons and have coloring sheets and books available. Some of the memorial display will also be featured during the American 250 Patriot and Constitution Day parade and concert Saturday, Sept. 12. Staging begins at 8 a.m. along Sevierville Road, with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. on West Broadway Avenue in downtown Maryville. The route is expected to take about an hour to complete and will end near Court Circle and West Lamar Alexander Parkway. Roads along the parade route are scheduled to close beginning at 10:30 a.m. The DAR will also offer a self-guided history walk in the park beginning at noon. The walk will include a display showing the evolution of the American flag and exhibits highlighting the founding and history of the United States and Blount County. Some pieces from the Sept. 11 memorial exhibit will also be included. The Maryville Farmers Market will relocate to the Blount County Courthouse parking lot Sept. 12. The market will open at 8 a.m. and operate with extended hours during the day's events. Food trucks will also be located in the courthouse parking lot. 'We're hoping folks will visit the memorial or come see us at the parade and pay their respects,' Miller said. For more information about the parade and other Blount 250 events, visit the Blount 250 website. Information about the Mary Blount Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is available through the chapter's website.