November 11, 2026 | Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Veterans Day on the Murfreesboro square.
Dozens gathered Wednesday morning outside the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse for the annual Veterans Day Memorial Service, a local tradition dating back to 1996.
This year's ceremony connected the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary with Rutherford County's Revolutionary War history, including a presentation by members of the Colonel Hardy Murfree Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The program included colors presented by Rolling Thunder Tennessee 1, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Oakland Homeschool Group students, the national anthem performed by Lauren Spencer, and an invocation by World War II veteran Harry Shumate.
Navy veterans Deborah Buma and Richard Mick led the POW/MIA remembrance.
DAR members presented A Soldier's Message Across Time, featuring battlefield letters, while cadets from the Murfreesboro Composite Squadron read the names of Rutherford County service members who died.
Members of the Sons of the American Revolution placed the memorial wreath.
The ceremony was directed by Barbara Smith Pitto, who has led the annual observance since 2020.
The morning concluded with Taps, honoring those who served and those who never made it home.
