An anonymous donor from New York has shipped 3,000 roses to Chattanooga for the memorial services for military personnel shot and killed here last Thursday morning.
A call went out from local veteran groups seeking volunteers to help with the large rose shipment.
Officials said, "There is a volunteer need related to the 7/16 Chattanooga tragedy and it is a very sudden one. 3,000 roses are being donated by an anonymous donor out of New York for the Memorial Service. They are looking for a group of volunteers to prepare the roses tomorrow afternoon, as well as to unload and hand out the flowers at Friday’s memorial service."
Hixson United Methodist Church is in the process of arranging the funeral service for Staff Sgt.
David Allen Wyatt. It is set for Friday at 1 p.m. at the church.
Under wishes of the Wyatt family, video will not be permitted in the church or during the service.
The designated funeral procession route to the National Cemetery will be announced Thursday afternoon.
Randall Smith, a sailor who was shot at the same time as four Marines, including Sgt. Wyatt, will also be buried at the National Cemetery.
Officials said Vandergriff Park in Hixson will close Thursday starting at 4:30 p.m. and will remain closed to the public until Friday at 5 p.m.
The park will be closed in order to help with logistics in preparation for the Wyatt funeral service.
A Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department Ranger will be posted for a 24-hour period at the park starting Thursday afternoon and continuing until Friday afternoon.
The park’s closure will accommodate media vehicles who will be allowed to park in that area for funeral coverage.
Hixson United Methodist Church is located at 531 Old Hixson Pike Hixson.
The roses are to be processed at the city of Chattanooga General Services building at 274 E. 10th St. on Wednesday (today) from 1-5 p.m.
Officials said, "Looking for up to 25 volunteers. Please bring hand pruners if you have them.
"Volunteer assistance will also be needed at Friday's memorial service (time on Friday TBD) to unload and hand out these roses."