‘No solider serves alone’: Johnson County gathers for Military Appreciation Day
NINEVEH, Ind. — Hundreds of service members, veterans and military families gathered with local residents at Johnson County Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, for the county’s Military Appreciation Day.
The event, hosted by Johnson County Parks and Recreation and supported by local volunteers and organizations, honored the sacrifices of veterans and service members while highlighting the region's strong military ties.
The ceremony began at the park’s amphitheater with the presentation of colors by the honor guard from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 233 in Edinburgh. Guest speakers included retired Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger and Col. Daniel C. Bell.
“It is a profound honor to stand before you in celebration of service, sacrifice and community,” said Bell, garrison commander of Camp Atterbury. “Thank you for standing with our veterans, our military families and the mission of Camp Atterbury.”
Umbarger, former adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard and longtime Johnson County resident, echoed that sentiment.
“Behind every service member is a family who supports, and behind every family is a neighbor who lends a hand and a community who supports,” said Umbarger. “No soldier serves alone. They are backed by an appreciative community.”
Johnson County has long maintained deep ties to the armed forces. The county is home to Camp Atterbury, a premier training installation operated by the Indiana National Guard, as well as the Johnson County Armory in Franklin. More than 1,800 Indiana Guardsmen are assigned to local units.
“Today’s soldiers are volunteers who chose to serve and protect our country, and we are proud as a community to stand behind them,” said Dan Cartwright, president of the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Board. “They believe it is their responsibility to protect our freedom, and we pray for their safety.”
Following the ceremony, attendees took part in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and zip-lining, accompanied by food trucks, artisan craft booths and live music.
Events like the one hosted by Johnson County Parks and Recreation strengthen the connection between local communities and service members and underscore the deep-rooted military heritage of Johnson County.
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