Every once in awhile, your life is touched by a person who truly cares about others. About 18-years ago, Murfreesboro's Veterans Day tribute would not have happened. Issues arose and someone dropped the ball just days before the big event.

That's when Elsie Stem entered, picked-up from there and saved Veterans Day. On November 11, 2011, after sixteen-years, this energetic woman retired from organizing this major annual tribute on the Murfreesboro square.  

At that time, she told WGNS News . . . 

Sadly, her husband, Willie G. Stem, Jr. passed away 53 days later.

11 Days After the 11th Month, 11th Day, 11th Hour

Elsie Stem continued to attend the Veterans Day tributes on the Murfreesboro square. In fact, she was wearing red, white and blue and had a big smile at last month's commemoration. (photo: Elsie Stem at the Veterans Day tribute this Nov. 11, 2013)

Since Veterans Day happens each year on the 11th month, 11th day, and 11th hour, if there was an appropriate day to die--it would be 11 days after Veterans Day for Mrs. Stem...and she did.

When your life is touched by a true Patriotic American who devoted her life to honoring veterans who fought for the freedom we all enjoy, and some who made the supreme sacrifice--that is why we must keep the love and work shared by this Cannon County native alive for future generations.

Thank you Elsie Stem for sharing your infectious love for America here in the Heart of Tennessee.