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The Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has designated Gatlinburg as an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day. This designation affiliates the Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration with National Veterans Day activities taking place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia.

The seventh annual Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 on Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. Activities will include a military aircraft flyover, patriotic music, recognition of veterans in attendance, remembrance of fallen comrades, and stirring words from notable veterans.

“One of the ways in which we honor Veterans is by acknowledging their service on our behalf,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki in a message sent to the Gatlinburg Special Events Office, which is coordinating the event. “Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to come together as a Nation to show our gratitude and respect for those who put service before self. From the tradition-rich ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to regional observances across this land, Americans will come together on November 11 with a simple message for Veterans: Thank you for your service to our Nation.”

Secretary Shinseki also sent notifications to the Department of Defense and to Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen informing them of Gatlinburg’s selection as an official Regional Site.

“To receive this designation lets us know that we are making a difference in honoring our veterans,” said Gatlinburg Special Events Manager George Hawkins. “The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has been revered dating back to 1918 as a sacred time Americans honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.”

Gatlinburg becomes one of the two cities in Tennessee, along with Nashville, to receive this designation, and one of only 40 official sites across the nation. Gatlinburg City Commission established the Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration in 2002.

“The Veterans Day Celebration gives us a chance to show our veterans that we appreciate them,” said Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle. “If it were not for these men and women, we would not have the freedoms that so many of us take for granted. We are honored to host this public celebration of our servicemen and women in all branches of our Armed Forces and to recognize their sacrifice and service.”

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza will be decked out in Red, White & Blue bunting for this popular event which is open to the public and attended by visitors from across the country.