Local Sea Cadets to celebrate Navy’s 250th birthday at Aspire
The Smoky Mountain Anchor Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps will honor the Navy’s 250th birthday with a public wreath-laying ceremony and fun run Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Service and Sacrifice Monument at Aspire, 777 Aspire Drive.
The event begins at 8 a.m. and will include a wreath presentation at the Navy Plaque, followed by participation in the national “Navy Mile Challenge.” Members of the public are invited to join the cadets for a one-mile run around the park. Registration will be available that morning.
Free Krispy Kreme doughnuts and coffee will be served while supplies last.
Local cadet Olivia Luevano of Clinton will represent East Tennessee the following day, Monday, Oct. 13, during the Navy and Marine Corps 250 Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two-hour parade will be televised live.
Event updates will be posted on the Smoky Mountain Anchor Division’s Facebook page.
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is the Navy’s youth leadership program for students ages 10 through high school graduation. The program helps young people develop leadership skills, character, and technical knowledge through naval-related education and activities.
Since 2020, more than 200 East Tennessee students have participated in the program, contributing more than 400 hours of volunteer service each year.
The Smoky Mountain Anchor Division includes more than 35 active cadets.
For information about Aspire, contact Brooke Carper at 865- 310-8755 or Stephen Wilson at 865-391-7480.
For details about the Sea Cadets or to register for the run, email C.Simes@seacadets.org.
For more information about the program, visit seacadets.org.