CLARKSVILLE, TN – For the fourth consecutive year, Fort Campbell educators, Educational Support Professionals, families, and community supporters proudly joined together to honor veterans during the Clarksville Veterans Day Parade, continuing a growing tradition of service, patriotism, and community engagement.
What began as a meaningful effort to recognize veterans has expanded into a large-scale community celebration that grows bigger each year. Educators and family members decorated vehicles and trailers, distributed food and hot chocolate, and demonstrated their appreciation for veterans through acts of service and community outreach.
Students also played an important role in this year’s celebration. Students from Barkley Elementary School created heartfelt artwork honoring military service members, helping showcase the gratitude and respect young people have for those who have served our nation.
Educational Support Professionals worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success. Volunteers collected candy and toys, created posters, decorated parade floats, packed giveaway bags, and coordinated supplies. Their dedication helped make the event one of the most successful Veterans Day celebrations yet.
A major contributor to the organization’s continued growth has been Alesia Gladden, newly retired membership chair, who continues to recruit educators and strengthen membership participation. Gladden also designs a new commemorative Veterans Day T-shirt and hoodie each year, creating a tradition that members proudly support and wear throughout the event.
Behind the scenes, Antranete Compton invested countless hours coordinating preparations and bringing volunteers together. Through partnerships with educators and schools, including support from a gym teacher at Lucas Elementary School, flags were donated and students were encouraged to create patriotic artwork for the celebration. Numerous members also contributed candy, food, toys, bookmarks, and other giveaway items.
The numbers reflect the tremendous community support demonstrated during this year’s event. Volunteers distributed more than 600 bags of candy and between 600 and 800 American flags to children and families attending the parade.
“It is always exciting for me to lead our vehicles in the parade,” said Josten Browne, who annually helps lead the Fort Campbell educator contingent through the parade route. First-time participant Devonte shared her enthusiasm after the event.
“I am so glad I came this year. It has made my day to support our veterans and help our community show our appreciation,” she said.
The success of the event is made possible by dedicated members of FCNCNA and FEA-SR, who volunteer their personal time to pack candy bags, create giveaway items, organize donations, decorate vehicles, and support parade activities. Their efforts reflect a commitment to honoring veterans not only on Veterans Day, but throughout the year.