Paris, Tenn.–Long-time Paris City Commissioner Gayle Griffith will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Henry County Veterans’ parade Saturday, November 7.
Griffith has a long history of military service and has received several medals, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Medal, and Meritorious Ribbon for his service in the Vietnam Conflict.
The parade will be at 11 a.m. Nov. 7 and will begin at the Henry County Fairgrounds and proceed from Fairgrounds Road to East Wood Street, continuing on to Pennsylvania Avenue.
Griffith grew up in Palmersville and attended Murray State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He volunteered for the U.S. and was commissioned as an Ensign September 18, 1964.
A Vietnam veteran with six overseas service stripes, Griffith was seriously wounded while commanding a river boat in the delta of South Vietnam, spending almost 15 months in the hospital.
He was medically discharged as a Navy Lieutenant, receiving the National Defense Service Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action ribbon and Unit Meritorious ribbon.
Griffith then returned to college and earned his Master’s degree and spent most of his life in the insurance business. He is active in his church and many other organizations. He has been president of the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, served 20 years on the Paris City Commission and was commissioned as Captain in the State Guard in January 2006. He assumed command
He quickly assumed command of the 4th MP Battalion, before obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel prior to release. While in command of the 4th Battalion, he served on the Military Funeral Honors Team, and received the Military Funeral Honors Certificate of Completion from the National Guard.
LTC Griffith’s personal awards include the Tennessee Defense Service ribbon, Community Service Ribbon with/ Silver oak leaf. He has two daughters who live near him in Paris.