KNOXVILLE, Tenn - The Tennessee Valley Authority Retirees Association (TVARA) and the Solway Baptist Church will construct a new Veterans Memorial on Oak Ridge Highway in an area commonly referred to as the Veterans Memorial Mile.
The new Solway Veterans Memorial has the support of local and state officials, community and business leaders, and numerous volunteers who are donating time and materials to help complete the project. The military aspects of the project will have oversight by a TVA retiree volunteer, USAF Retired Brigadier General Jim Mungenast.
“I am honored to be part of this project and to work with the military to add their emblems and the veterans who are participating in the dedication ceremony,” said Mungenast. “This Memorial recognizes all veterans who have served, defended and protected our country,” he added.
Solway Veterans Memorial is being constructed on property that fronts State Highway 62 and is accessible at 9013 Solway Ferry Rd. Solway Baptist Church has partnered with TVARA and provided the plot of land that the church will retain ownership of. The church will provide upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial site and TVARA will provide the funds to cover all other construction costs.
The project will consist of a wall with all six military emblems emblazoned on it including Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard. When the Space Force emblem is available it will be added. The Memorial will also include a small walkway with a courtyard and benches. A plaque with contributor names will be placed at the site when construction is complete.
Construction is expected to be complete late Fall 2020 and once it is safe for people to gather, a military dedication ceremony will be held.
The Knoxville Chapter of the TVARA is a retiree association whose leadership and 1,400 members continue to make a difference in our community through volunteer work.
Project team: Debbie Rutherford, Mike Rutherford, Jim Mungenast, Barbara Martocci, Jay Ambrister ( solway Baptist Church). project lead, Reny McClain Lee.
