NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Across Tennessee, residents gathered on Veterans Day to honor the state’s 385,000 veterans who have served the nation through times of war and peace. While the percentage of veterans in the U.S. population has declined, the day’s importance remains deeply felt in the Volunteer State, where patriotism and respect for military service run strong.
With its rich military heritage, Tennessee has long been home to generations of service members who played roles in conflicts from World War II to the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans make up only about 7% of the nation’s population, a significant drop from earlier decades. But in Tennessee, where military service is a family tradition for many, Veterans Day resonates as powerfully as ever.
For retired Air Force veteran and Nashville native Marcus Gaines, Veterans Day is a moment to honor the state’s historic and contemporary military contributions. “Tennesseans have always had a strong sense of duty,” he said, noting that the state’s nickname, the Volunteer State, has its roots in the valor of Tennessee soldiers during the War of 1812. “This holiday is a way for us to unite and honor those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.”