A  time of prayer, remembrance and thanks for our military (both active and fallen), prayer for our first responders, law enforcement and government officials and to remember the tragedy of 9/11 and pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much on that fateful day.

WATCH THIS YEAR’S OBSERVANCE

2026 Guest Speaker

Andrew smith

U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, Co-Founder, Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation

Andrew Smith was born and raised in Hamilton County and attended Chattanooga Christian School.

After graduating from Lee University, Andrew enlisted in the Army, fulfilling a lifelong desire to serve in the military. In 2012, while assigned to the 82nd Airborne, Andrew deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On March 8, 2012, while on a patrol, Andrew stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device, resulting in the loss of both legs and severe internal injuries due to shrapnel. With his wife Tori by his side, Andrew spent the next 22 months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center undergoing countless surgeries, procedures, and intense physical therapy to learn how to walk again.

After recovery, Andrew and Tori returned home to Tennessee. As a result of his experiences during recovery and the support he and his family received, Andrew helped co-found the Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation to help other wounded post-9/11 veterans.

He is currently finishing the Master’s in Military History program through The Citadel.