By Ralphine Major
The memorial is beautiful and so well deserved. It is a lasting tribute to Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss, the last one of the thirteen American heroes killed in Afghanistan nearly two years ago. Only steps away from where the temporary memorial was displayed in the days following the tragic loss of those brave Americans is an engraved plaque honoring Staff Sergeant Knauss. Flying proudly above the plaque is the American flag. The memorial is in the parking lot at Weigel’s near the intersection of Tazewell Pike and Emory Road at Harbison’s Crossroads. Staff Sergeant Knauss was from Corryton and a graduate of Gibbs High School. It seems appropriate that the memorial is only a short distance from the school. The touching tribute serves as a reminder of the sacrifice that Staff Sergeant Knauss made for our country. Sections of Tazewell Pike and Emory Road have already been named in his honor.
The 2023 Memorial Day holiday is already upon us, the day our nation sets aside to pause and remember those service members who, like Staff Sergeant Knauss, willingly made the ultimate sacrifice.
Words of Faith: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 (KJV).