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Hamblen County 911 Director Eric Carpenter was among the four Tennessee 911 directors who laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Feb. 27.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier provides a final resting place for deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified.

The Tomb has also served as a place of mourning and a site for reflection on military service.

Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a way for individuals and organizations to honor the sacrifices of American service members.

The four directors had the opportunity after they attended the 911 Goes to Washington” conference at the capitol.

“Every winter the National Emergency Number Association has a 911 goes to Washington D.C. event that brings 911 directors across the US to discuss legislation and policy on the federal level with legislators and congressional staff,” Carpenter said.

The state’s chapter, the Tennessee Emergency Number Association, decided it wanted to do something to honor those who fought for the country.

“While we were there the state chapter decided we could have the opportunity to have a wreath ceremony. We went through their process and was approved to lay the wreath.” Carpenter said.

Only four individuals were allowed to lay the wreath, but many other directors from Tennessee were present in support.

“The cemetery only allows a four person group to lay the wreath, but more than 20 were present during the ceremony,” he said.

The other directors present with Carpenter were Jefferson County 911 Director Justin Crowther, Blount County 911 Director Jimmy Long and TENA President Rose White.

Carpenter is extremely honored to share this moment with his fellow directors by honoring those who gave their life to fight for freedom.

“I had the great honor of joining three other colleagues to be at the plaza and lay the wreath,” Carpenter said. “I am very grateful and it was a tremendous honor to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity.”