MURFREESBORO, TN - The Alvin C. York VA Medical Center will host a special memorial from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. this Saturday (12/13/2025) to celebrate the 138th birthday of its namesake, Sgt. Alvin Cullum York. Veterans, families, and the public are invited to gather in the newly renovated Building 107, where the York family will share personal reflections on the legacy of Tennessee’s most decorated World War I hero. It is located at 3400 Lebanon Rd. (AKA Memorial Blvd.). 

The event will feature artifacts from the York family, veteran resources, and light refreshments provided by the Veterans Canteen Service. Attendees will also get a first look at Building 107’s updates, a space that continues to serve as a cornerstone of care for Middle Tennessee veterans.

York’s story remains one of courage and service. Born in Pall Mall, Tennessee, he became legendary during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918, when he led a small group of men against overwhelming odds, silenced 25 German machine guns, and captured 132 enemy soldiers. For his extraordinary bravery, York received the Medal of Honor and international recognition. After the war, he dedicated himself to education and community service, founding schools for mountain children and advocating for opportunities in rural Tennessee.

The Murfreesboro facility itself carries a rich history. Authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936 and opened in 1940, the hospital originally served neuropsychiatric patients with 600 beds and 351 employees. Its Classical Revival architecture, including a portico modeled after Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, reflects its deep ties to Tennessee heritage. Over the decades, the center expanded to include recreational facilities, medical wings, and a nursing home, adapting to the evolving needs of veterans. In 2012, the campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for both its architectural significance and its role in veteran care.

In 1985, the hospital was renamed in honor of Sgt. York, ensuring his legacy of valor and compassion would remain tied to the ongoing mission of serving veterans. Today, as part of the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, the center provides care to more than 141,000 veterans across Tennessee, Kentucky, and northern Georgia.

This weekend’s memorial offers the community a chance not only to honor York’s remarkable life but also to reflect on the enduring role of the medical center that bears his name. It is a celebration of courage, service, and the continuing commitment to those who have worn the uniform.