The Union County Republican Party celebrated its legacy with the theme, "A Legacy Worth Remembering”at the Lincoln-Reagan Day Banquet on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The UCHS Commons buzzed with over 200 attendees from at least six counties including Union. Chairman Sidney Jessee, Jr. welcomed everyone and reminded them that legacy is defined as the lasting impact and influence that we leave on the world, fueled by commitment to excellence, service, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. A lasting impact was the opening ceremony fueled by the excellence of the Presentation of the Colors by UCHS NJROTC, the Pledge of Allegiance led by 8th District Judge John D, McAfee, the National Anthem sung by Miss Arabella Nicely, Recognition of Veterans and Emergency Workers by Vice Chairman Sam Richardson, and the Invocation by Chaplain Joe Hickle.

Illustrating the legacy of service, Candy Booker and Lakin Booker moderated a live and silent auction for Union County Children's Charities: Under the Tree. This program serves about 500 children in Union County to provide toys, clothing, books, blankets, and every day necessities. Dakota Smith, auctioneer in training, handled the live auction with Representative Dennis Powers and others locating the bidders. Top auction items were a meal and a book with Kane (Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs), a patriotic giant skateboard from Congressman Tim Burchett, and lunch with Senator Jessie Seal. The silent auction boasted numerous items donated mostly by local candidates. The result was over $3,000 raised for the charity.

After a barbecue dinner by Calhouns, Candy Booker recognized local office holders and those candidates who were registered. Numerous candidates and office holders for state and national office also addressed the gathering and focused on the pursuit of a better life. Union County Mayor Jason Bailey welcomed the crowd by noting the three areas of focus for his administration: economic development and growth, workforce training, recreation and tourism. He pointed to projects like the expansion of Hwy 33, the implementation of fiber internet, The TCAT, Walters State Community College, the Farmers Market, Heritage Park, the Heritage Festival, Thunder in the Park, Sharps Chapel Festival, Thunder Road Car Show, and improvements in Big Ridge Park and Blue Mud. State Representative Dennis Powers echoed the Mayor's remarks and explained his role in the Hwy 33, TCAT, and Walters State projects all funded by the state with no local taxes involved. State Senator Jessie Seal shared how he had “taken a chance” and voted to give money to a clinic in Memphis that promoted alternatives to abortion and the tremendous joy he felt when he cradled one of the healthy newborns in his arms. Attorney General Jared Effler noted his campaign for victim's rights and his gratitude for the tremendous success of the Dixie Roof Clays for Children Sporting Clays Tournament that benefits Children's Centers in all five counties of the 8th District. Former Congressman Jimmy Duncan related a humorous story about riding in a parade with former Mayor Mike Williams and another one on Marsha Blackburn and how she fought against a state income tax. Circuit Judge John D. McAfee and Criminal Court Judge Zack Walden praised the relationship of working with Sessions Judge Travis Patterson to expand the Recovery Court program of drug rehabilitation and how the effort is now a team effort especially with the help of the opioid monies successfully won by Attorney General Effler in the 8th District and numerous other state and local attorneys general.

Besides U. S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, who resides in Minnie Pearl's former farmhouse near Nashville, and is in the Republican Primary for Governor of Tennessee, are Tennessee Representative Monty Fritts from Rockwood and US Representative John Rose from Dekalb and Smith Counties. Both sent their wives to represent their platform which caused Congressman Tim Burchett to remark, “Maybe we should elect one of these strong women for Governor”.

With the introduction of Second District Congressman Tim Burchett, the comments turned toward national political themes. He praised President Trump's immigration initiatives and his State of the Union Address. He condemned those countries who were not helping with the war in Iran and called them “dirtbags”. He asked for prayers that the people of Iran one day enjoy freedom. He noted that Memphis streets and others are now safer. He ended by saying that the upcoming election was crucial to continue the current administration policies and clean up the mess made by former administrations.

Finally, the theme returned to the Republican legacy of service as the moderators honored Cheryl Walker as the Republican Woman of the Year and Attorney General Jared Effler as Republican Man of the Year. Ms. Walker volunteers for numerous charities from playing the piano at the nusing home, serving as a historian and document volunteer at the Union County Museum, distributing clothing and preparing hot meals at Beneath the Cross, serving various roles in her church both locally and regionally, to being one of two County Commissioners of the 2nd District to lead and research information on several committees to impact the goals of making Union County a better place to live. Mr. Effler was praised for his work with victims and drawing attention to victim issues, his service to funding the Children's Centers, his tough on crime attitude, and his relationships across the 8th District that have reduced crime and supported rehabilitation of victims of addiction and abuse.

Sidney Jessee, Jr. thanked the more than 35 sponsors at various levels who made the event possible and lterally filled the back of the program handout. He again reminded everyone to vote and remember the legacy of commitment, service, and the pursuit of a meaningful life by the Republican Party.