Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration

Name: Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration
Start: 2025-11-11T11:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-11T12:00:00-05:00
Location: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3261, United States

Schedule

Tue Nov 11 2025 at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3261, United States | Gatlinburg, TN

To honor the valiant service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans, Gatlinburg will host its 25th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, November 11. Beginning at the stroke of 11 a.m., this community-wide celebration will mark the observance of the holiday, paying homage to the courage, dedication, and spirit of our military veterans and their families, whose sacrifices safeguard the freedoms of the United States.
Eventgoers will experience live musical entertainment, special presentations, and merited recognitions from both local officials and honored guests. The Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Band and Chorus will provide patriotic renditions and Miss Smoky Mountains, Mylee Doty, will present The Star-Spangled Banner.
American Legion Post 202 and Girl Scout Troop 20648 will provide special presentations commemorating the holiday. Retired Gatlinburg Police Department Captain Jim Maples, also a Vietnam Veteran, will present the POW-MIA Table and Invocation. There will be a special recognition to Gold and Blue Star Families, alongside a Quilt of Valor Presentation.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael McLean Wellock will enlighten the audience as the keynote speaker. The University of Tennessee alumni and East Tennessee native has served the United States for 20 years, receiving highly distinguished decorations during his service. These honors include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and many more.
The event will be hosted by WATE Reporter and military veteran Don Dare and will be broadcast live on WATE.
The Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration is free and open to the public. The event will take place at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza.
Looking for ways to save during your Veterans Day visit? Explore our Gatlinburg military discounts page to find special offers on lodging, attractions, dining, and more that are available exclusively for active-duty military, veterans, and their families. https://www.gatlinburg.com/military/