A Walk in Their Boots
Veteran Recognition and Special Programming

15th Annual Multi - Era Tribute to the American Soldier

Saturday - November 7, 2026

Tipton Haynes Historic Site
2620 S. Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601
CLICK HERE FOR MAP DIRECTIONS

On behalf of our fellow living historians, I am proud to invite you to the 15th annual "A Walk in Their Boots" military timeline event, Saturday November 7th, 2026, at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City, Tennessee. The event will feature encampments of frontiersmen and women through contemporary times while living historians will also present methods and equipment employed by our troops throughout our nation's history.

As part of our salute to American Servicemen and women, our Veteran Recollection Program will provide an opportunity to share your story of service with fellow veterans and spectators, as well as our reenactors eager to learn from you. Those willing to share their stories of service can present just about anything regarding that service; boot camp, adventures of the chow line, combat experiences, equipment, gear, anything associated with your time in service. Openings are limited, so if you would like to share a part of your service, please contact me as soon as possible. Our Veteran Recollection Program will take place ONLY on Saturday from Noon until 1:15 PM, so if you would like to share a story or two, please kindly reach out to me at 412-726-6665.

"A Walk in Their Boots" is a 100% FREE event, so please pass on the word to fellow veterans, family and friends, so that they too might enjoy this special program. Veterans attending for the first time can register on-site, or via the linked forms below, to be placed on our secure mailing list and be formally recognized at future events.  We hope to see you there!

What is "A Walk in Their Boots?" The event is an all era Military and Living History Timeline happening which spans from the American Revolution to present day. For 15 years, living historians from across the mid-south have gathered in Northeast Tennessee for a truly unique and collective experience. Their mission has been to honor all those that served America in uniform via the form of living history.

Sharing Your History In a public setting, veterans are encouraged to share their experiences in serving our nation at our Veteran Recollection Program. Whether it's stories of boot camp, manning your station as part of our defensive sphere, or  experiences from combat, sharing what you have experienced -- especially with our youth and those young at heart -- is absolutely vital. Registration is encouraged.

Veteran Registration By completing the Veteran Registration Form (above), you will receive a personal letter by mail or email as the event date approaches, informing you of event highlights and timings. Upon arrival at the event, you will be presented with a custom made identification badge that is yours to keep. This badge will have your name, rank or rating, unit served, your MOS, and theater ribbons.

Serving Beyond Your Service It is often said that there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer and we need your help in fulfilling our mission. - Volunteers will be needed to help in site management, veteran hospitality, and to help in set up and tear down.

Veteran Luncheon Veterans will be served lunch compliments of our event partners and a food truck will be onsite to satisfy those in your party for a modest price. We all hope to see you there! So come and enjoy while listening to fellow veterans as they talk about their history while serving in the cause of liberty and freedom.

How can I help? Simple, spread the word! There are very few events of this kind in the United States, and we need your help in getting the word out—especially to the veterans in our community who have served courageously throughout our nation's history. The event is FREE for everyone to attend, but the experience and knowledge gained by attending is without a doubt priceless.