Unshakable Integrity

Knoxville Heroes Adolph Ochs and Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds In a city rich in hometown heroes, two figures stand large in their unshakable integrity: Adolph Ochs, and Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds. On the surface, the two men are starkly different. Ochs was born on the eve of the Civil War in Cincinnati, before moving to Knoxville where he first worked as a newspaper boy. He later moved to Chattanooga and ultimately became a newspaper magnate and owner of the New York Times. Edmonds grew up during the Great Depression in Knoxville, but quickly joined the Army when World War II erupted. Circumstances tried both men. In Ochs case, his formative years shaped how he ran the New York Times. Unlike the yellow journalists of the late 19th century, Ochs insisted that the Times print news that was verifiable and honest. It set the precedent for how the paper operated for years to come. Edmonds, by contrast, was captured with his unit following the Battle of the Bulge and interned at Stalag IX near Ziegenhain, Germany. When ordered by the camp commandant to hand over his Jewish comrades, Edmonds refused, and stated, "We are all Jews here." Ochs and Edmonds experienced very different circumstances, but their formative years in Knoxville instilled in them unshakable integrity. Both of these hometown heroes are commemorated with plaques in Knoxville. Recently, Edmonds received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions. Historian Jack Neely will present the story of Adolph Ochs and his connection to Knoxville, starting with a walking tour from the Ochs plaque on Wall Avenue and ending at the East Tennessee History Center. Then in a program moderated by Robin Wilhoit of WBIR, Jack will talk about Ochs and his family at the History Center, followed by a presentation from Pastor Chris Edmonds about his father, Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds. The event will be held from 6-8 PM. The photographic work of Holocaust survivors and rescuers by UT Professor Rob Heller will also be on display. Light refreshments will be provided at 5:30 pm before the program begins.