Biden will attend Saturday’s ceremony following a family vacation to Kiawah Island, S.C. Obama and his family are on Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. for a two-week getaway.
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In what is being described by authorities as an act of terrorism, on July 16, 24-year-old Kuwait-born Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez opened fire on a Marine recruiting center at a strip mall in Chattanooga and nearby Navy reserve center before dying in an exchange of gunfire with the police.
The Marine Forces Reserve, the Navy Reserve and the City of Chattanooga will hold the service at 2 p.m. Saturday at McKenzie Arena, 720 E. 4th St., according to a news release.
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke is encouraging the community to fill the arena. “We want to make sure that our local heroes know how much they are appreciated, and for us to heal we need to do so as a community”.
But effective immediately, the Navy will turn to armed guards as “a matter of prudent and necessary action toward protecting our personnel”, said U.S. Navy Cmdr.
Four servicemen were initially killed and a fifth died days later from injuries he sustained during the attack.
Availability is limited to 8,500 seats on a first come, first service basis. That means those students planning to move back on campus won’t be able to that day. We’re told Governor Bill Haslam, Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Bob Corker will also be there. “Traffic would probably be just unbearable”, said UTC Spokesperson Chuck Cantrell.
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Those carrying small bags should expect them to be screened by security. The mayor’s office will announce more information regarding this service later this week.
