The U.S. Navy Band performed a free concert today at Market Square as part of Navy Week in Knoxville.


Photo & Videos by Traci K. McDonell / City of Knoxville

Mayor Madeline Rogero officially proclaimed this week as Navy Week and presented a mayoral proclamation to Knoxville Navy Reserve Center Commander Jeremy Farmer.

Knoxville is one of 15 cities selected to host the Navy’s signature outreach program.

Throughout the week, the seafaring men and women from the USS Constitution and the USS Tennessee will be speaking at schools and to civic groups.

The Navy’s elite dive team and its explosive ordinance disposal team will be here this week, as will the Leap Frogs, the Navy’s heralded parachute team.

Between meeting with children and veterans, parachuting out of airplanes and demonstrating their various skills and expertise, the sailors will also be building a Habitat for Humanity house.

And of course, all of East Tennessee is excited about the Navy’s Blue Angels headlining this weekend’s Smoky Mountain Air Show.

On Wednesday, Eddie Mannis’ HonorAir Knoxville will offer its 20th flight to Washington, D.C., to veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It’s a chance for these veterans to tour the memorials erected in their honor – free of charge. And when they return to Knoxville, the Navy Band will be there to greet them at the airport.

So when you see these sailors around Knoxville this week, be sure to give them a warm welcome.