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Clarksville recognizes close ties with Military during Warrior Week Ceremony at Eternal Flame

Clarksville TN Top Spot LogoClarksville, TN – As part of the annual Warrior Week celebration (June 16th-24th), the Clarksville-Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee held a ceremony at the Eternal Flame monument on Public Square honoring veterans past and present for their service and the sacrifices they make for our nation.

Warrior Week is a week-long celebration that honors military men and women, and their families. It gives local residents and businesses a chance to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan and Brig. Gen. Jeffery N. Colt, Deputy Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division place a wreath at the Eternal Flame as part of the Warrior Week observances.
Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan and Brig. Gen. Jeffery N. Colt, Deputy Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division place a wreath at the Eternal Flame as part of the Warrior Week observances.

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan spoke first:

On behalf of the City of Clarksville and the Mayor’s Office, let me tell you it is always a solemn occasion when we come to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and the freedoms we hold so dear.

I am proud to stand here and say that the City Council, all the citizens of Clarksville stand with the families of those who represent those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and all of those at Fort Campbell, and everyone else in this community that knows and respects every member of the military.

So please join with us today as we place the wreath to honor those and know that the City of Clarksville will be there to support each and every one of you.

Two buglers played taps, each one alternating from time to time. This resulted in the haunting sounds coming from multiple directions and gave what is already an ethereal dirge, an even more otherworldly sound.

The firing squad stands ready
The firing squad stands ready
Brig. Gen. Jeffery N. Colt, the Deputy Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Brig. Gen. Jeffery N. Colt, the Deputy Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

Next up was Brig. Gen. Jeffery N. Colt, the Deputy Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault):

It’s a privilege to represent our active military and specifically the soldiers and families of Fort Campbell here today. I really want to thank the community again for its incredible support and its ceremonies you put on throughout warrior week. It means an incredible amount and particularly in a day and age when less than 1% of Americans serve actively.

This is far more than just service here in the local community to us. This is where we live and they are our neighbors. Today we still have about 8,300 Screaming Eagles deployed, and hoping to have them all home by about February.

This is a very visible symbol of your pride and respect for all services; particularly those who have sacrificed since 2004 when the Clarksville-Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Military Affairs Committee specifically; worked so hard to erect the Eternal Flame here. We have lost 295 additional Screaming Eagles, and 131 in the Current Deployment. It is the most humbling privilege to serve in order to preserve our way of life for you. You deserve this and we are forever grateful for the community and its support.

The Eternal Flame was designed by local artist Gregg Schlanger

As Warrior Week closes out, a picnic, fun fair, and car show   will be held at Heritage Park on June 25th.

Program

Civilians, Veterans, and Soldiers
Civilians, Veterans, and Soldiers
  • Posting of the Colors
  • Invocation
  • Laying of the Wreath
  • Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan
  • Taps, and 21 gun salute
  • General Jeffery N. Colt, Deputy Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division
  • Retiring of the Colors

Photo Gallery

Bill Larson
Bill Larson
Bill Larson is  is politically and socially active in the community. Bill is a member of the Friends of Dunbar Cave. You can reach him via telephone at 931-249-0043 or via the email address below.
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