Joshua Goins and Blaze were headed back to the barn when they paused for a snapshot on Memorial Day.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- For several hours on Memorial Day, Joshua Goins rode his horse Blaze from the barn to the Sonic and back with the U-S flag flying. It’s extra motivation for Blaze, because he loves Sonic’s tater tots, the large size.

Joshua Goins and Blaze were steadily making their way down West Central Avenue on Monday before taking time to visit.

Goins, a heavy duty diesel technician for Coca-Cola at Knoxville, rides the 22-year old Blaze through town once in a while, and this time out was a special mission. “It’s just a way to show respect with the flag for our fallen friends,” said Goins.

“Blaze is a good sport, and we’re not getting anywhere in a hurry. And that’s OK,” said Goins, a 2003 graduate of Campbell County High School. Though Blaze was a one time star of the rope and barrel race circuit before coming to Goins farm in November 2023.

Blaze, a one time star of the rope and barrel race circuit, doesn’t mind the attention.

The barn is on Back Valley Road back behind La Follette Middle School. Goins and Blaze left out around 10:30 Monday morning and made it to the Sonic around noon before heading back east along the four lane.

It doesn’t get much more small town America than this with displayed flags and a McDonald’s sign in the background.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/26/2026-6AM)

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