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Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
This Veteran’s Day Weekend, Nov. 7-8, the “A Walk in Their Boots” annual event will return for its 9th year.
The event involves various aspects of a military timeline, from encampments, battle reenactments, gear and even vehicles from different periods of time.
It all began several years ago with an individual named Paul Morrison. Morrison, a veteran himself, felt like there really wasn’t anything happening in the community to commemorate Veteran’s Day.
The event’s roots began with uniformed actors and tables with gear and equipment being displayed at Wing Deer Park. After gaining the attention of local historians, it grew to be held at Sycamore Shoals, and now Tipton Haynes.
According to Jeffery Campbell, one of the coordinators behind the event, the ultimate goal is to pay tribute.
“It’s a tribute to the American soldier throughout our nation’s history,” he said. “We hope this event gives people ‘a day in the life,’ we hope they understand a little of what it was like.”
Campbell explained that this is a way for people to dig deeper, and get their information on the history directory from the source. Likewise, this allows people to understand. Campbell elaborated that it is important to also learn and understand history so it does not repeat itself.
While the event will be going on this year, changes did have to be made due to COVID-19. Campbell said certain aspects were trimmed down, including a lecture series and a veterans recognition ceremony/luncheon. Due to most of the event taking place outside, the rest was able to remain intact.
Social distancing is highly encouraged at this event; hand sanitizers will also be available. The following are some of the guidelines that will be in place:
Visitors will check in at the welcome area.
Everyone will be requested to bring a face mask or covering and wear it where appropriate.
The event will be conducted as self-guided tours of the static displays.
Tour group size will be limited to 10 participants. Everyone will be required to maintain a safe distance of at least six feet.
While most activities are held outside, indoor presentations (masks required) in the auditorium will be limited to 50 people at a time.
Scheduled battle reenactments and weapons displays will be performed in the open fields with visitors observing from a safe distance and keeping themselves six feet apart.
The event is completely free, and will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at Tipton Haynes in Johnson City. The time periods represented at the event will range from the Revolutionary War to modern day.
Campbell said this is a great way for families to come together and learn.
“This is a great place to bring the family out and celebrate Veteran’s Day,” he said. “I think this is a great way to bring the children out and encourage them to learn about American history, and understand the sacrifices people who have gone before them made.”