On July 4, 2026, the Volunteer Chapter was invited to participate in Gatlinburg’s 51st Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade. Gatlinburg is the first town in the USA to celebrate the 4th of July, as the parade kicks off at 12:01am. Kelly and Gary Swanson, Sherrie McGhee, and Marsha and Tim Hunt rode on the Blue Star/Gold Star float, along with Blue Star Families from East Tennessee. Before the parade, the families were given free tickets to the Ripley’s Aquarium and to have a quick meal.
The Volunteer Chapter is thankful that we were given the opportunity to be in the parade.
