Clarksville, TN – Clarksville-Montgomery County gathered together in front of the Montgomery County Historic Courthouse this past Saturday, November 5th to honor our veterans, as well as those who are still serving their country.
The day started off at 9:00am with a Veterans Day Ceremony. Veterans Service Organization director Frank Mir gave the opening remarks followed by the 101st Airborne Division Honor Guard Posting the Colors.
Montgomery County Mayor Pro Tem Robert Nichols welcomed everyone to the ceremony and was followed with remarks from Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan.
The guest speakers of the day was 1st Sergeant David Ward, U.S. Army (Retired). Ward, born in Salem, AR, served more than 20 years in the army. He currently works at Fort Campbell with Booz Allen Hamilton as a Global Threat Mitigation Program instructor.
The ceremony ended with the laying of the wreath, the playing of Taps by a Bugler from the 101st Airborne Division Band. Rev. Jodi McCullah gave the benediction and Nichols gave the closing remarks.
The Veterans Day Parade was set to begin at 10:00am. McKnight along with the Clarksville High School Choir provided music while everyone waited in anticipated of the start of the parade.
Soon the sounds of sirens could be heard that indicated the parade was coming down Third Street and local emergency vehicles began passing by the grand stands. Miss Austin Peay Hannah Johstono was the next to pass by.
Next was Appleton’s Harley Davidson and a group of motorcyclists in support Operation Home Front led by country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. The Grand Marshal 1st Sergeant David Ward came by next, followed by Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan, and other veterans groups like the Buffalo Soldiers.
Several local JROTC groups marched in the parade. They were the Clarksville High School JROTC, Kenwood High School JROTC, Montgomery Central High School JROTC, Northeast High School JROTC, Northwest High School JROTC, Rossview High School JROTC, and West Creek High School JROTC.
Whats a parade without music? The Rossview High School Marching Band, Kenwood High School Marching Band, Northwest High School Marching Band, Northeast High School Marching Band, Montgomery Central High School Marching Band, and West Creek High School Marching Band took part in the parade.
It’s something to see so many people paying homage and respect on Veterans Day. It highlights what those who served, including those who gave their all, were fighting to defend.
Military service is one of the highest forms of patriotism and with our close proximity to the Fort Campbell Army post Clarksville-Montgomery County is home to a significant veteran population. They are part of the fabric of our community.
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