Woodmen of the World celebrate patriotism

Firefighters from throughout Blount County got a special treat on Monday, June 6, when the Woodmen of the World insurance society hosted a barbecue dinner at the pavilion in Bicentennial Greenbelt Park in their honor.

Ken Catledge with Woodmen of the World said the annual picnic in Blount County is to recognize and show appreciation to the first responders and fire departments for their service to the community.

“We recognized each one and presented a flag for each fire station throughout Blount County. There are eight stations, and we presented a 3-foot by 5-foot flag to each one to fly at their station,” Catledge said.

Catledge said they also honored Howard Smith for serving as president the past two years. Everyone enjoyed a barbecue dinner, and Catledge shared some of the things the Woodmen of the World are doing in the community.

“Woodmen of the World believes in patriotism, so we present flags all throughout the community in Blount County,” he said. “We put up flagpoles and recognize the heroes of Sept. 11th and presented flags to the City of Maryville. We believe in donating flags throughout the community to promote patriotism.”

Catledge said Woodmen of the World also has developed a new first responder insurance program. “We want to protect those who serve us in the community. We have developed this program to provide $10,000 in coverage for first responders who are member of our Woodmen of the World,” he said. “It is a unique program to recognize those who serve us.”