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  The roar of motorcycles could be heard for several city blocks as more than 1,000 motorcyclists, mostly veterans, descended on the Sevier County Courthouse Sunday morning for a solemn ceremony to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for God and Country.

  The motorcycles were parked side-by-side taking up three streets. Veterans, clad in leather, socialized and reflected on those who served gallantly but never returned. The Remember The Fallen ceremony was begun 11 years ago by Ron and Sandy Giddis. Since that inaugural event, the attendance has grown immensely.

  The morning ceremony kicked off with local talent Gaby Ambrose singing the "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless The U.S.A.."

  Entertainer James Rogers, who appears frequently at Dollywood and other area venues, took the stage next performing "Heroes In My Eyes" and "Fly Eagle Fly."

  During Rogers's performance, Mike Acuff of the American Eagle Foundation stepped onto the stage holding a bald Eagle named "Mr. Lincoln" which flapped it's wings as the final notes of the song was sung.

  Acuff took a moment to introduce himself and Mr. Lincoln while explaining the role of the AEF in rehabilitating injured or sick birds of prey. Since the organization was founded, more than 100 eagles have been nursed back to health and returned to the wild. 

  Retired Major Doug Estey took the podium as keynote speaker and discussed his military experience. Estey started his career in the Army as a medic and a pilot in 1986. He served in combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

  Estey spoke of the men who encouraged him to serve his country. One was a VIetnam era veteran that taught him how to be a medic. Estey became emotional on more than one occassion choking back tears as he discussed those who died in service to the nation.

  "A soldier said I fight and die so that my son can live free tomorrow," Estey said. "From the day we are born we become heirs to a great treasure...some take it for granted...others know the high price of freedom."

  Estey played an audiotape of a battle that took place in Vietnam in 1967. The epic battle was later portayed in the movie "We Were Soldiers Once." Though the audio tape was intermittant with static, what could be ascertained was a chilling account of soldiers facing intense enemy fire and about to be overran when a rescue helicopter came to their aid defying orders from their superiors to do so.

  The two men who defied the orders to rescue the besieged soldiers were Captain Ed Freeman and Major Bruce Cadwell. The two men flew into the battle under intense enemy fire 13 times rescuing 26 men. During the rescue operation, Freeman was wounded four times. 

"Imagine that are 19-years-old," Estey said. "You have been out of high school one year. You are now, lying on a battlefield wounded and dying. You think of your family 10,000 miles away.  All around you is gun fire and the shouts of the enemy rushing toward you. You know this is it. This is the day you will die."

 "Joy is multiplied when it is shared," Estey said quoting Mark Twain. "I believe that pain is divided when it is shared," he added.

  Sevierville police officers Preston Parrish and Mike Odom stepped forward to lay a wreath at the Armed Services Monument. The officers were accompanied by two Gold Star mothers who each shared the painful distinction of having lost sons in service to their country.

  As the somber tune of Taps resonated throughout the plaza most stood at attention while others saluted in homage to the fallen.

  The next to take the stage was local talent and Navy veteran Kelly Stout who dedicated his performance to Osama bin Laden. The song, a Toby Keith tune, was "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." The song is a patriotic tune about the 9-11 attacks and the military's role in bringing justice to the terrorists responsible.  

  The crowd cheered as Stout sang the final verse of the song "Justice will be done and the battle will rage, this big dog will growl when you rattle its cage. You'll be sorry you messed with the U.S.A. 'cause we'll put a boot up your ass, that's the American way." 

  Following Stout's performance, Giddis dismissed the ceremony and the legion of motorcyles roared as their riders kick-started the bikes to begin a 60-mile ride through five counties to Veteran's Lookout in Grainger County.

 Gold Star mother Syndi Powell was one of the many who mounted up to ride.

  "My son, Scott Cooley, was killed in 1993. I am riding for him," She said.

 James Rogers sang "Fly Eagle, Fly" during the Remember The Fallen ceremony.

 Mike Acuff of the American Eagle Foundation displays Mr. Lincoln, a bald eagle that was rescued by the AEF.  

 Major Doug Estey (retired) gave a riveting account of his war experiences and the experiences of others who fought to protect freedom.

 Sevierville police officers Mike Odom and Preston Parrish salute after laying a wreath as the haunting notes of Taps are played in remembrance of the fallen.  

 Veteran Kelly Stout closed the ceremony with a rousing rendition of "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue."

An unidentified soldier stands solemnly at attention as more than 1,000 motorcycles ride by to begin a 60-mile journey to Grainger County.

 A plaque at the courthouse contains the names of hundreds of Sevier countians who died in service to their country. The monument serves as a grim reminder that the cost of freedom is high.