11/22 Fort Campbell Life

We celebrate Thanksgiving every year, but some of us may not know the full history behind it. We learn about it in grade school, but how much of that information truly sunk in? No worries, we are here to give you a quick Thanksgiving history refresh.

Thanksgiving Day occurs on Thursday, November 24, and it all stems back to an event that happened in 1621. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag shared a great feast that is known as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. This event took place after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful. Then Governor William Bradford organized a feast and invited a group of the Native American allies to join. One fun fact about the feast is that it lasted for three days, and there is no known menu of what was served.

So, how did the Thanksgiving that we know today come to be? In 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. This decision did not happen overnight though. In 1827, the noted prolific writer Sarah Josepha Hale launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She stayed true to her goal for 36 years. During this time, she published countless editorials and sent letters to governors, senators, presidents, and other politicians, earning her the nickname the “Mother of Thanksgiving.”

Abraham Lincoln finally granted her request in 1863. He scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November, and it was celebrated on that day every year until 1939. But, this all changed when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to help retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt's plan was not popular with US citizens, but in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

This is how we now have the Thanksgiving Day that is celebrated far and wide, and how it all came to be.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so I hope you are getting those menus set. I am sure you already have your turkey recipe, and what sides you plan to prepare, but have you thought about what is going to grace the dessert table? Dessert is the cherry on top of your Thanksgiving feast, so you want to be sure to have some delicious sweets for your guests. These delicious pie recipes are sure to do the trick and leave your guests satisfied.

Pumpkin Pie

3⁄4 cup granulated sugar

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger

1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 can Evaporated Milk

2 large eggs • 1 can Pure Pumpkin

1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell

1. To begin, mix your sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves in a small bowl.

2. Next, beat your eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

3. Pour into pie shell.

4. Bake in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Coconut Cream Pie

1 1⁄2 cups canned coconut milk • 1 1⁄2 cups half-and-half • 5 egg yolks

3⁄4 cup sugar • 4 tablespoons cornstarch• 1 tablespoon butter

2.

sugar

a liquid measuring cup. Add

together with the milk. Set aside.

cornstarch to a heavy-bottomed saucepan over

heat.

the egg and milk mixture together once more

then slowly begin to add to the sugar and cornstarch, whisking

Bring custard mixture to a boil. Switch to a rubber spatula or wooden

continue to stir constantly. Boil one minute.

Remove from heat and add butter, coconut, vanilla, and salt.

Spread custard into pie crust. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until set, about 30-45 minutes.

whipped cream on top of coconut custard. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Preparing Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner 3 WAYS

Traditional Roasted Turkey

Think of going to Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. A chill in the air, the joining of family and of course the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven. Lots of small talk, playing with cousins, and plenty of waiting for the fantastic meal. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, peas, and cranberry sauce. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. If it’s traditional that you are after here’s the recipe for a golden brown, juicy turkey for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

1 (18 lb) whole turkey

1⁄2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

Salt & ground black pepper to taste

1 1⁄2 quarts turkey stock • 8 cups prepared stuffing

Directions

1. Completely thaw turkey. Follow thawing instructions on packaging.

2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place rack in the lowest portion of the oven.

3. Remove the turkey neck and giblets, rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Loosely fill the body cavity with stuffing. Rub the skin with the softened butter, and season with salt and pepper. Position an aluminum foil tent over the turkey.

4. Place turkey in the oven, and pour 2 cups turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. Baste all over every 30 minutes with the juices on the bottom of the pan. Whenever the drippings evaporate, add stock to moisten them, about 1 to 2 cups at a time. Remove aluminum foil after 2 1 2 hours. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh reads 180 degrees, about 4 hours.

5. Transfer the turkey to a large serving platter, and let it stand for at about 30 minutes before carving.

Grilled Turkey

Are you the outdoors type and realize that nothing is better than what comes off the grill? A grilled turkey is tasty, juicy and has won many competitions in head-to-head match-ups with a roasted bird.

You can still make gravy with the drippings and can add additional flavors with smoking wood chips. Apple chips really add a nice touch.

Ingredients

1 (12 lb) Whole Turkey • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect medium-high heat (as close to 350 degrees as possible).

2. Rinse turkey and pat dry. Turn wings back to hold neck skin in place. Return legs to tucked position. Brush turkey with oil. Season inside and out with Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper.

3. Place turkey breast-side up on the grill. Place drip pan directly underneath the turkey. The drip pan can be made from aluminum foil. Grill 2 to 3 hours, to an internal thigh temperature of 180 degrees (juices should run clear). Remove turkey from grill and let stand 20-25 minutes before carving.

Deep-Fried Turkey

Looking for a new twist for your Thanksgiving meal? Deep-frying a turkey provides a juicy and rapidly cooked alternative. The deep-frying process seals in the juices inside so the turkey stays flavorful and moist. A 15 pound turkey will take about 45 minutes to fry and will remain hot and juicy in a cooler over nite. You must make sure the turkey is completely defrosted, also you can’t stuff the bird, so stuffing and gravy will have to be made elsewhere.

Directions

1. Remove giblets and the neck. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim most of the excess fat and skin from the neck and cavity to allow for better frying.

2. Place the turkey on a cutting board or baking sheet and coat it evenly with a rub of choice, including inside the cavity. Place the turkey in a plastic bag and allow to rest in the refrigerator overnight.

3. Heat the oil in a turkey fryer until it registers 350°F. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Remove it from the bag and lightly blot it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the turkey on the frying rack, drumsticks pointing upward as though it’s doing a headstand. Use the grab hook to very slowly lower the turkey into the heated oil; Wear heatproof gloves and safety goggles, and do not drop the turkey into the oil.

4. Once the turkey is completely submerged, remove the hook. Fry for about 3 minutes per pound or until the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted into the inner part of the thigh reads 155°F. 5. Use the grab hook to slowly remove the turkey from the oil, allowing sufficient time for the hot oil to drain away. Place the turkey and rack on a rimmed baking sheet set on the ground, and let them sit a few minutes before moving to allow any extra oil to drain. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes. Remove it from the rack and carve.

Everyone knows that after Thanksgiving, your fridge is flooded with leftovers. You can only stomach the traditional Thanksgiving plate before your family starts to complain that they are tired of it. Thankfully, there are so many fun dishes that you can create with all of those extra bits and pieces taking up space in your home.

Cranberry Meatballs (For all of that extra Cranberry Sauce!)

1 lb. ground beef • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tbsp. finely chopped chives • kosher salt freshly ground black pepper • 1 cup barbecue sauce

1 can cranberry sauce • 1 tsp. chili powder • 1 tbsp. olive oil

1. In a large bowl, combine beef with egg, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, and chives. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Roll into small balls, about the size of ping pong balls.

3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, cranberry sauce, and chili powder. 4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add meatballs in a single layer and sear on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. 5. Pour sauce into the skillet and let meatballs simmer in the sauce until cooked through about 10 minutes. 6. Serve Warm

Turkey Cheese Dip (for the leftover bird!)

2 1⁄2 cups shredded Colby-Jack • 2 tbsp. Parmesan • 1⁄2 onion, diced 1 clove of garlic, minced • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1 cup diced turkey

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl, mix cheeses, onion, garlic, mayonnaise, and turkey until just combined, then set aside.

2. Pour the cheese mixture into a pan, and top with additional Colby-Jack and a light sprinkle of chives. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted and turned a light, golden brown.

3. Serve with your choice of crackers, chips, or bread.

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (for the leftover mashed potatoes!)

3 cups leftover mashed potatoes • 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled • 2⁄3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

tsp. garlic powder

eggs, beaten

1⁄3 cups

tbsp. thinly sliced chives

salt

ground black pepper

oil, for frying

1. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.

2. Make sure to stir all of your ingredients until all are well mixed.

3. Place eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls. Make 1” to 2” balls of mashed potato mixture. Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredge first in egg and then in panko. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.

4. Heat 3” of oil in a large cast iron skillet. Fry potato balls in batches until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes.

Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and season immediately with more salt.

Thanksgiving Turkey

Materials

Glue gun and glue • Small foam or plastic craft pumpkins (one for each turkey) •Small wooden stars (three for each turkey) • Jute twine • Colored craft sticks • Dog tag craft sticks Red craft paint • Paint markers • Glue stick • Wiggly eyes Small scraps of orange paper or card stock

Drill

Steps:

1. Head and Neck: Paint the dog tag craft stick red. Cut a small triangle out of orange paper or card stock, and remove the stem from your craft pumpkin. Once your dog tag has dried, glue on wiggly eyes with hot glue and attach the triangle beak with a glue stick. Tip the pumpkin on it's side. Attach the turkey's head/neck over what used to be the top of the pumpkin with hot glue.

2. Feathers: Using paint markers or a brush and paint, add designs to the colored craft sticks you choose to use for the turkey's tail feathers. By trial and error, we learned that the feathers look best if you put the same pattern on each feather. Use as many colors as you want -- just keep the pattern the same. Different patterns make the feathers look too crazy.

3. Legs and Feet: Drill a small hole through each star, slightly off center. Cut two lengths of jute twine about 6-8" long. Thread a length of twine through each hole and tie a knot under the star. Tie another knot halfway up the twine to create the turkey's knee. Hold your "legs" up to the turkey to test their length. Trim as necessary

4. Using your drill or a nail, create two holes in the pumpkin below the neck of the turkey (about 1.5 inches apart). Push the end of the twine into the hole to make sure it will fit. Remove the twine and squirt hot glue into one hole. Thread the end of the twine back inside the hole so that the hot glue holds it in place. Repeat with the second hole.

5. Add Feathers: All feathers will be attached with hot glue, but it works best if you follow a pattern. Begin with the center feather, and then add the two outside feathers (red in my example). Next add the two feathers closest to the outside feathers (orange). Finally, add the feathers closest to the center (yellow).

6. Balance the Turkey: Because the feathers are so heavy, your turkey will tip over unless you add one final star. Hold your turkey on a flat surface and slide a star slightly under the feathered bottom until the turkey will sit up on it's own. Once you've found the balance, add hot glue to the star and make it permanent.

Are you looking for some fun fall crafts to do with your children during Thanksgiving break? Our friends at OneCreativeMommy.com are here to share with you two fun and easy crafts that you can use to decorate for Thanksgiving day!

Fall Sweater Wreath

Materials:

A pool noodle • A large serrated knife (An electric knife works, too)

Duck tape

Scissors • Old Sweater Fall Leaves

Steps:

1. Using the serrated knife, cut off one end of the noodle at an angle.

2. Wrap the noodle into a circle and cut the other end of the noodle to match the cut you already made. It will be the opposite of your original cut.

3. Secure the ends together with duct tape.

4. Now it's time to create your wreath. Cut the sweater apart at the seams, and wrap pieces around the pool noodle wreath until you find a combination of pieces and textures that you like.

5. Cut the pieces so that there is about ¼ inch of overlap as you wrap the sweater around the noodle.

6. Put the ugly edges at the back of your wreath and stitch the sweater tightly together around the noodle.

7. When your pieces overlap, put clean edges on the top, and tuck the cut edges underneath. Stitch those pieces together, too, so that they don't slide around.

8. Once you have your sweater pieces completely sewn onto the wreath, embellish the wreath with fall accents.

Did you know that the Fort Campbell Spouses' Club has fun and exciting clubs within the organization for you to join? They are called the FCSC Sub Clubs, and they are tons of fun for their members. Check out the three clubs that they currently offer.

Golf Club

For those of us who love hitting the links! The golf sub club is accepting new members.

Reading Club

For all y'all who love a good read…and time to discuss that with likeminded souls. This club's for you. Now accepting new members.

Cooking Club

Trying new recipes, learning new techniques in the kitchen — the cooking club does this and more! Now accepting new members.

Interested in joining one of the above clubs? Reach out to them at hospitality@fortcampbellspousesclub.org.

For more information about the FCSC, you can visit their website at https://www.fortcampbellspousesclub.org

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS (Day of the Dead)

Valor Hall Oak Grove visitoakgroveky.com/event/chaff-presents-diade-los-muertos-day-of-the-dead/ The inextinguishable tradition dates back 3,000 years, during the time of the Aztecs. El Día de los Muertos doesn’t honor death, but it is to honor our dead friends and relatives. It is a welcoming of the opportunity to reflect upon our lives, our heritage, our ancestors and the meaning and purpose of our own existence. El Día de los Muertos is not a sad ritual. It’s a day of happiness because we will be remembering our loved ones.

The Christmas Sampler

The Center Springfield facebook.com/thechristmassampler/

The Christmas Sampler fea tures more than 100 booths of quality arts, crafts, jewelry, children’s clothing, specialty boutiques, antiques, and more. Food and drink are available from a variety of vendors. Over 1,000 homemade baked and canned items are for sale in the Federation Booth. The Federation also sponsors a popular silent auction booth.

Murder at the Library Hopkinsville Public Library visithopkinsville.com/event/murder-at-thelibrary/ This event is a Murder Mystery party for ages 21 years old and up, paying homage to mystery author Agatha Christie. Guests work together to solve a fake murder with clues that are provided throughout the course of the evening, with a prize given to the guests that solve the crime. It is a fun night with friends full of mystery, intrigue and surprises. The evenings mystery will be a 1920’s theme and guests are encouraged, but it is not required, to dress in period costumes or cocktail attire. The evening will include appetizers, adult beverages, door prizes, and a raffles.

Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair see website for location craftybastards.com

The annual Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair presented by the Nashville Scene is Saturday and Sunday, November 5-6. This family-friendly event features over 100 curated craft vendors, food trucks, cocktails, music, shopping, and more. Admission is free..

The Harlem Wizards Trigg County High School harlemwizards.com Basketball aficionados are treated to great skills, teamwork, slick dribbling, alley-oops and crazy slams. The non-hoop fans attend ing will find out that this is much more than just a basketball game. The night is funny, the atrical, exciting and spectacular and the gym will reverberate with oohs & aahs, laughter, enthusiasm, and much much more.

Reno Collier American Legion Oak Grove etix.com/ticket/p/3443891/reno-collierin-oak-groveky-oak-grove-american-le gion-oak-grove Reno Collier is a stand up comedian who gained celebrity as the opening act for Larry the Cable Guy and with his own Comedy Central Presents special. He was also featured as a roaster for the Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy. Collier was fea tured on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Next Generation..

Annie Moses Band

Alhambra Theatre

pennyroyalarts.org

From the roots of the Grand Ole Opry to the wings of Carnegie Hall, the Pennyroyal Arts Council is thrilled to welcome the Annie Moses Band to the Alhambra Theatre stage as part of the LIVE series! As the “first family of American music,” this sibling band applies its classically honed, all-American talent to a cornucopia of iconic melodies through innovative arrangements and masterful original songwriting. The Nashville-raised and New York-trained ensemble delivers a spellbinding musical odyssey that is enjoyable for all ages.

Cub Scout Day

Woodlands Nature Center LBL facebook.com/events/ 3275941526060629

Attention all Cub Scouts and Cub Scout leaders! Bring the gang, or just your own kids, to the Nature Station for a full day of activities and programs focused on this year’s theme: Plants and Animals! Join your troops, packs, and dens as you learn all about our local wildlife here at LBL while working on your belt loops! Cub Scouts of all ages can participate in staff-led programs and activities that help them work toward a Belt Loop from their respective levels.

The Adventure Loops are: Ready, Set, Grow! (Lions), My Tiger Jungle (Tigers), Paws on the Path (Wolves), Fur, Feathers, and Ferns (Bears), and Into the Wild (Webelos). We recommend planning at least a 2 hour visit to complete all activities. Adults age 18+ $7, Children ages 5-17 $5, 4 and under free.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas on the Square Festival

Springfield Downtown Square facebook.com/events/ 1780945675581164/

The Robertson County Chamber of Commerce will hold our annual “Christmas on the Square” festival from 10am until 4pm . The annual Christmas parade will begin at 6pm. This year’s theme for Christmas on the Square is “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” but when the parade rolls into town, it is all about Rudolph having his night to shine!

Opening Night Christmas on the Cumberland McGregor Park cityofclarksville.com Experience the captivating displays of over one million lights along the Cumberland RiverWalk! Santa also makes an appearance and stays around for photos! This is free to the public and extends through January 1.

Dino & Dragon Stroll

The Bruce Hopkinsville the-bruce.com

This tour lets you up walk-thru and get up close to life-like and life-size dinosaurs and dragons! Encounter colossal sized dinosaurs ranging from babies to the huge Brachiosaurus, Mamenchisaurus, Spinosaurus, the enormous, show stopping T-Rex and the gigantic Apatosaurus, just to name a few! See dinosaurs and dragons produced with advanced animatronics that brings these amazing creatures to life. Children can participate in Story time and the Dinosaur and Dragon Craft Creations Station for various hands-on crafts. Additional activity including bounce house inflatables, Dinosaur Scooters, Walking Dinosaur Rides, and Stationary rides.

Drink recipes and photos courtesy of mixthatdrink.com

Butterscotch Coffee Cocktail

1 ounce DeKuyper Buttershots

1 ounce Carolan’s Irish cream

Hot coffee

Whipped cream

Nutmeg (optional)

Pour the liqueurs into a coffee cup or Irish coffee mug. Fill the cup the rest of the way with hot coffee. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

2 ounces vanilla vodka

2 ounces white creme de cacao

1⁄4 cup heavy cream

11⁄2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree (pie mix)

1 dash of ground nutmeg (for garnish) Powdered graham cracker (for the rim)

Rim two martini glasses with crushed graham cracker. Put the pumpkin puree into a cocktail shaker with a couple of ice cubes and shake it 10-15 times to break it up. Now add more ice, plus the vanilla vodka, creme de cacao and cream, and shake very, very thoroughly to break up the puree. Strain into the martini glasses. Sprinkle the ground nutmeg on top for garnish.

Thanksgiving Cider Drink

1 part Pinnacle® Pumpkin Pie Vodka

3 parts apple cider

of club soda

cinnamon stick

Fill a highball glass with ice and build the ingredients in order. Garnish with a lemon wedge or cinnamon stick.

FIND YOUR NEW HOME

The Reserve at Royster 3301 Royster Lane Clarksville 931-552-3239 - www.reserveatroyster.com

The Reserve at Royster has 2 Bed-1 Bath Flat apartments and 2 Bed-1.5 Bath Townhomes. Only 3 miles from Fort Campbell and minutes from local shops, parks, restaurants and schools. Each home at The Reserve at Royster features a spacious floor plan, lots of natural light, and fresh designer paint colors. Washer and dryer hookups in each unit with the option to rent washer and dryers, balcony/patio area, storage space outside, new flooring, new fixtures, and well-appointed kitchen with all electric appliances. Dog park coming soon!

Ashton Ridge at West Creek 1060 W Creek Coyote Trail Clarksville 931-494-8528 - www.ashtonridgetn.com

Ashton Ridge at West Creek is just minutes from Fort Campbellwith easy access to Tiny Town Road and the 101st Parkway. Close to shops, parks, restaurants, and APSU, and located within walking distance of West Creek Schools. The 2 and 3 bedroom Townhomes feature luxury amenities, spacious living areas, and exquisitely designed kitchens. This elegant townhome community offers convenience, comfort, and exclusive luxuries including two dog parks, two fire pits, a playground, a sparkling swimming pool, and manicured landscaping.

Northwoods Apartments 138 W Concord Drive Clarksville 931-552-3239 - www.northwoodstn.com

Northwoods Apartments has spacious 2 Bedroom-1 Bath flat Apartments. Only 5 miles from Fort Campbell and minutes from local shops, parks, restaurants and schools. Each home at Northwoods Apartments features a spacious floor plan, lots of natural light, fresh designer paint colors, washer and dryer connections in each unit, updated flooring & fixtures, and well-appointed kitchen with all electric stainless steel appliances. Other amenities include playground, BBQ stations and pool coming soon!

Dunbar Town Homes 291 Dunbar Cave Road Clarksville 931-616-9698 - www.volprop.com

Dunbar Town Homes has 2 bed 1.5 bath renovated townhomes with stainless steel appliances, clean white backsplash, white cabinets, new countertops, fresh repost grey wall color and updated new flooring.

The Landings

1104 Plymouth Road Clarksville

931-237-7477 - www.thelandingsatriverside.com

The Landings Townhomes are minutes from APSU, 25 min. to Fort Campbell and close to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Well manicured and tucked away giving it the privacy you are looking for. The town homes feature all upgraded lighting and finishes, a spacious floor plan with lots of light, neutral color scheme, ample closet space, and well-appointed kitchen. Other amenities include a playground, dog park and fitness center coming soon!

Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade

The Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade will be on November 5th at 10am in Downtown Clarksville. It will begin on Third Street. This year’s theme is Salute to Veterans in Law Enforcement.

This annual event is organized by the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization. Fort Campbell soldiers and hundreds of spectators gather together to pay tribute to the men and women, past and present, who have served our country.

Hopkinsville’s Veterans Honor Parade Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation hosts the annual Veterans Honor Parade. The parade starts at 10am and winds its way through downtown Hopkinsville.

Veterans Day Breakfast 2022

On November 5 from 7:30am - 8:30am at the APSU Morgan University Center, located at 601 College Street, Clarksville, will be the annual Veterans Day Breakfast to celebrate and honor the men and women in uniform. The delicious food will be served buffet style. The speaker this year is Ret. Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlton W. Kent. He served as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

Flags at Patriots Park for Veterans Day

From November 8th until November 14th, come out and visit Patriots Park, located at 3176 Fort Campbell Blvd, Clarksville, to observe and honor all of the flags placed out for our amazing Veterans

Veterans Day Concert at the Opry House

The 2022 National Veterans Day Concert in Nashville will take place at the Grand Ole Opry House on Thursday, November 10. The performances are set to start at 7pm. This year, it will feature Medical Musical Group Chorale and Symphony Orchestra dedicated to American’s veterans. Other guest appearances include Hosts Natalie Stovall and Storme Warren, as well as Jessie James Decker, Deana Martin, and Victor Wahby. Tickets can be purchased on their website.

Veterans day is on November 11th and it is a day to honor all the men and woman who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We are incredibly thankful for their dedication to our country, and all the sacrifices they may have made along the way. This year, there are a few events going on in the surrounding areas that honor and celebrate this holiday.

November is Military Family Appreciation Month, and it is a time dedicated to honoring all of the amazing military families that make huge sacrifices for our country every day. This month, we wanted to spotlight a few local families that are making these tough sacrifices every single day.

After a Thanksgiving feast, many families sit around and wonder what to do with the rest of the time that they have together for the holiday. Some families watch football, some take naps, and others play family games. This holiday is all about making memories, and having fun, so we wanted to know what our reader’s families do after they are done chowing down on the turkey.

“We always watch the recording of the Thanksgiving parade and the dog shows! We are never awake early enough to watch it live.”

-Rachel K.

“We all take naps. Seriously. We all pick a couch or a bed, and we will see each other again when it is time to eat leftovers for dinner.”

-Kayla I.

“We decorate for Christmas! Yep, we are that family. End one holiday and go right to the next.”

-Patricia M.

“Are we the only one that goes outside and plays flag football? We have done it my entire life, and I made sure my own little family kept the trend going.”

-Emily D.

“We pack up plates for the homeless, and go and pass out food and hygiene bags to those less fortunate. It always warms my heart.”

-Tasha S.

“My family will break out old home videos and watch them together. We record our family gathering every year, and it is crazy to see how fast people change.”

-Britany B.

“It is family game night time! We break out Clue, Monopoly, and Cards Against Humanity and we have a great time.”

-Zoey D

“Our tradition starts before we eat. We all wake up early and go for a hike. It is peaceful, refreshing, and sure helps you get ready to grub down for dinner.”

-Olivia R.