Clarksville, TN – The annual Welcome Home Veterans Celebration brought a busy schedule of events over a five day period, all designed to honor and celebrate our Veterans.
Activities began on Wednesday with the arrival of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, the Korean War Memorial and the 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit at Beachaven Winery. A procession actually began at Appleton Harley Davidson and traveled through town, delivering the impressive displays to their temporary location.
An opening dinner, sponsored by Mission BBQ, was held at Old Glory Distilling Co. to welcome Veterans and their families to Clarksville.
On Thursday, the exhibits at Beachaven were ready for visitors, setting a patriotic tone was the Field of Honor Tribute to Veterans, a large display of American flags in honor and memory of Veterans, First Responders, their families and friends.
Thursday’s activities also included a Hero’s Breakfast at First Baptist Church, and a Welcome Home Ceremony at Fort Campbell’s Hangar 3. The day ended with a Remembrance Ceremony/Wreath Laying at the American Traveling Tribute Wall.
On Friday, the Wilma Rudolph Event Center was filled for the Valor Luncheon and Recognition with Featured Speaker Guy Gruters. There was an Eternal Flame Ceremony at Public Square, a Gold Star Family Reception followed by a Memorial Mile at Beachaven, and a concert at Downtown Commons featuring Thunderstruck.
Saturday morning began with Valor run, a 5K and 10K event at Beachaven, the Welcome Home Veterans Parade downtown, a Gold Star Memorial Dedication at Veterans Plaza, a light reception at TN Valley Brewing Company, a local Veteran-owned business, and finally, a concert at Beachaven featuring the Army’s Six String Soldiers, and country music legend Lee Greenwood.
The Welcome Home Veterans Parade featured dozens of entries. There were people of all ages riding in Jeeps, Corvettes and Military/First Responder vehicles, all with a message of welcome for our Veterans.
Riding in the parade were Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, Grand Marshal Lee Greenwood, and many other notable Veterans, their friends and family members. At 101 years old, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Frank Emond U.S. Navy (Ret.) enjoyed his second Welcome Home Veterans Parade, Mr. Emond said he is already making plans for next year.
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