MURFREESBORO, TN - This Tuesday morning (11/11/2025) at 11:00 o’clock sharp, the Rutherford County Courthouse on Murfreesboro’s historic square will once again be the setting for a heartfelt tradition: the city’s 30th Annual Veterans Day Memorial Service. What began with a determined woman and a last-minute change of plans in 1996 has grown into a community tribute, and this year’s ceremony promises to be especially meaningful.
The guest speaker is David Weill, a Desert Storm veteran whose life story reflects a deep commitment to service and leadership. An Eagle Scout and graduate of East Tennessee State University, Weill is licensed in investment sales, holds a Master of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Seminary, and today owns the Steak 'n Shake franchise right here in Murfreesboro.
Joining the program this year is 2025 Miss Tennessee, Zoe Scheiderich, a student at Middle Tennessee State University. Her presence adds a youthful note to the ceremony, which blends solemn remembrance with community pride.
Barb Smith Pitto, the current coordinator of the Murfreesboro’s Veterans Day event, told WGNS that the weather forecast is looking crisp but pleasant—partly sunny skies and temperatures around 43 degrees when the ceremony begins. So, bundle up, bring a chair if you’d like, and come early to find a good spot on the square.
For those who can’t attend in person, WGNS has you covered. The station has broadcast every Veterans Day Memorial Service since that very first one in 1996, and this year, they’ll also offer live video coverage on YouTube.
History of the Murfreesboro Event
The roots of this tradition trace back to a moment of uncertainty. In 1996, Murfreesboro hadn’t held a Veterans Day program in some time. A Purple Heart recipient had hoped to revive it, but a sudden health issue forced him to step aside. That’s when Elsie Stem stepped in. Motivated by love for her husband, Willie Stem—a WWII paratrooper who served in the 507th Parachute Infantry Division and earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star—Elsie made sure the tribute went on. She asked WGNS to broadcast the event, and the station has done so ever since.
Elsie led the effort for 15 years, until age and grief—Willie passed away in early 2012—led her to pass the torch to Myra Simons. Myra brought fresh energy and digital savvy to the event, guiding it for eight years. In 2020, Barb Smith Pitto took the reins, navigating the challenges of a pandemic-era world. When school bands couldn’t travel, she found creative ways to keep the music alive—like the year Lauren Spencer sang the National Anthem, accompanied by her son on trumpet. That son is now a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, but Lauren still sings each year.
You Need To Be There 11AM This Tuesday
So whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or simply someone who wants to say thank you, Tuesday’s ceremony is a chance to gather, reflect, and honor those who’ve served. It’s a Murfreesboro tradition built on love, resilience, and the power of community. Visit their website: http://murfreesboroveteransday.com/.
