In 1970 members of Ringgold Georgia community started a tradition to honor the deceased Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, who were residents of Catoosa County at some point. At the time there was only one flag honoring all veterans, but members of the VFW decided each veteran should have a flag of their own. The tradition began with 12 flags that were placed in the Anderson Cemetery in Ringgold. Over the next 46 years the number of flags grew tremendously.

Each year, a week before Memorial Day and a week before Veterans Day volunteers from the Catoosa County area and surrounding areas place American flags along Ringgold’s streets and highways. They are placed on metal poles and a white wooden cross with the name of the veteran, their branch of service, and the war from the American Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan. A week before and after the two holidays the flags are up for display to honor the Veterans.

For many years Ralph Teems, his cousin Charles Teems (both VFW members) and Wallace Hall who made some of the first crosses volunteered labor initiative. The position was then given to Gilbert Childer, Head of the Volunteers. Dozens of volunteers have help put this event together each year. From Ringgold, Ridgeland, and Heritage middle and high school students making, painting, and placing the cross to volunteers from all ages, churches, civic organizations, and more. Today there are over a thousand of flags that are displayed and each year a hundred flags are added.

 

 

 

 

Meet the Storytellers

Allie Schrenker

Allie Schrenker is a committed athlete studying Communications and Creative Writing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with plans to graduate in May 2019. She is one of the editors for UTC’s literary journal and is currently pursuing a career in photojournalism.

Tiffany Closson

Tiffany Closson is a senior marketing major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She studied luxury fashion in Paris and has spent time in photojournalism working with local stories. As a marketing intern she has knowledge in website analytics and social media management.

 

Brianna (Charlye) White

Brianna (Charlye) White is in her senior year at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, majoring in Communications. She is the Community Outreach Assistant for the Bethlehem Center, and a Writer and News Anchor for her school news media, Mocs News. Visitwww.thbeth.org to view her work and email her at white.brianna17@gmail.com to learn more.

Jackson Hollis

Jackson Hollis has been a photojournalist for the UTC Echo for almost a year. He has shot many events for the paper including including parades, rally’s, sports events, and more. Jackson has lived in Chattanooga for over 3 years and loves sports and the outdoors. Jackson can be contacted either by cell (615) 479-5115 or by email jvaughnhollis@gmail.com.

 

 

 

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