By Ralphine Major

ralphine3@yahoo.com

It was a new, green highway sign along a beautiful stretch of rural road. I had seen the one posted on Tazewell Pike a few weeks ago shortly after the highway was dedicated, but I had not seen the road marker along East Emory Road. It is not far from the historic Nicholas Gibbs House on Emory Road. Located near the intersection of Emory Road and Boruff Road in Corryton, the sign reads “SSG Ryan C. Knauss Memorial Highway.”

The highway sign was a somber reminder of the tragedy that took place one year ago in Afghanistan. Thirteen American heroes lost their lives, and Knauss was among them. Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss was from Corryton, and he was a graduate of Gibbs High School. The area has recognized Knauss in many ways this past year, and all of them are so well-deserved for someone who sacrificed so much for our country. It was heartening to see this tribute to Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss. May we always remember him and all of those who have given their lives for freedom.

Words of Faith: “For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.” Psalm 71:5.