KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As the United States marked 24 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, thousands of volunteers helped beautify sacred grounds at nearly 70 national cemeteries across the country.
Carry The Load, a nonprofit organization, hosts volunteer events to honor the nation’s heroes on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Patriot Day, which has been observed on September 11 since 2002.
24 years after 9/11: East Tennesseans recall day of tragedy and heroism
Dozens of volunteers spent time at Knoxville National Cemetery on Thursday cleaning headstones as part of the nationwide campaign.
“I’m a little biased, 25 years in the Navy. These national cemeteries, I think, have some of the best America has to offer,” said Brian Peterson, administrative officer for the Mountain Home in Knoxville National Cemeteries. “They sacrificed a lot and it’s the least we can to sacrifice a little bit back.”
▶ See more top stories on WATE.com
Several remembrance events took place Thursday around Knoxville. University of Tennessee ROTC cadets and staff members participated in a memorial stair climb at Neyland Stadium. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation held another stair climb event at Covenant Health Park. Knoxville first responders and local leaders held a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial on the lawn of the City County Building…