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Final details are being worked out for this community's "Proud to Be An American Festival," which organizers have set appropriately for Flag Day, June 14.

The streets of downtown Maryville will be a ribbon of red, white and blue as the festival kicks off on Broadway at 2 p.m. with a parade that will then travel to the theater behind Blount County Courthouse. The whole festival is meant as a way for members of this community to thank U.S. veterans for their service and sacrifice for this country. Scheduled to appear at the event are radio personality Gunner from WIVK, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, state Sen. Doug Overbey and the mayors of Alcoa, Maryville and Blount County.

The special guest speaker for the day is Tommy Clack, a decorated Vietnam War veteran. He visited Blount County several months ago and spoke at an area church.

Tedd Graves will provide music along with Jessica Schall Thomas a resident of Arizona who lost her brother Kenneth Schall to a Humvee accident in 2005 in Iraq. She and her husband, her brother and parents are all planning to attend the festival here, said organizer Carol Russell, of Walland. Jessica will be singing a tribute entitled "Soldier I Thank You."

Russell said she is currently in need of golf carts to drive disabled and elderly veterans in the parade. There is also an opportunity for members of the community to donate gifts that will be given to the veterans at a special ceremony following the parade.

Russell has been planning this tribute for over a year and said response has been tremendous. She said many people have stated this is such a simple but meaningful way to let veterans know they will not be forgotten. This parade is not about the celebrities who are coming but the true heroes living right here, she said.

Russell has even been collecting red, white and blue outfits for children to wear the day of the parade. She will be scheduling a location where children can come before the parade and dress in the patriotic attire, which they will be able to keep.

Veterans that day will be given red shirts to wear so everyone will know who the special guests are, Russell said. And she has collected lots of U.S. flags that will be waving proudly on that day.

"We just want everyone to show up that day and say thank-you to veterans for what they've done for us," Russell said. "It will be overwhelming."

Persons who want to get involved or who have golf carts to lend are asked to call Carol Russell at 850-1459.