Griffin honored by Tennessee sheriffs

EVENSVILLE — Nathaniel Griffin, 17, of Evensville was recently honored at the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association Banquet at the Sevierville, Tenn., Convention Center on Aug 1. as an integral part of the finishing project conducted by the Tennessee Committee for the Bill of Rights.

In 2011, the Tennessee Sheriffs Association requested a display of what is called the "Keys to Americanism," the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

Presented at the Sheraton Hotel in Nashville, June Griffin and her husband said they were happily surprised to learn that at that early presentation, more than 30 sheriffs asked for these displays, the first presented to Rhea County Sheriff Mike Neal.

Later after the death of J. B. Griffin, June Griffin carried out the travel and arrangements throughout the state to all the additional sheriffs, which culminated in the final presentation at the 2023 Bill of Rights Banquet to Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride.

June Griffin said that Nathaniel Griffin's voluntary service in travel and navigation, companionship and support was exemplary. Executive Director Jeff Bledsoe originated the idea of giving Nathaniel Griffin the award, and the flag has the names of more than 50 sheriffs who signed it.

"He has earned it; he is proud of it, and he said it was the best birthday present he could ever get. The presentation was one of the highlights at the Banquet of Sheriffs and their families," June Griffin said..

"We're building county governments back," she said. "And it begins with these documents. The Lorf was in the whole affair in that sheriffs wanted and asked for these. We never recruited. It was an act of God."