CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Country star Billy Ray Cyrus gave a Clarksville business owner a big surprise when he accepted an online invitation for a veterans charity event.
Tia Suiter, owner of Appleton Harley Davidson is host to many motorcycle runs for a long list of local charities. One that is perhaps closest to her heart is the annual Eagle Toy Run, which benefits Operation Homefront and coincides with Veteran’s Day activities in the week leading up to the national holiday.
Every year Suiter is involved in the event and every year, she makes requests to Nashville artists to appear to bolster support and honor the many veterans who call Clarksville home.
“We write these heart-felt letters every year wanting someone to come out and give a tribute to our soldiers,” she said. Not long after sending the invite for this year’s event, she got a response.
Cyrus accepted the invitation to appear and asking to participate. “Not only is he coming to play he also wanted to be part of the run,” Suiter said.
Cyrus will lead the motorcycle procession from Appleton’s Harley Davidson at 8:00 a.m. and ride to Clarksville’s Veteran’s Day Parade, which begins at 10:00 a.m.
“It’s been a gift that has kept giving,” Suitor said. “We were just grateful he replied, but for him to sing, join in the run and help build this event is more than we could have hoped for.”
The After Party at Appleton’s will include live music by Decadent Nation, a USO Static Display, red, white and blue balloon drop and Cyrus’ performance of his classic tribute to fallen soldiers, “Some Gave All.”
Riders are asked to bring a toy or game for Operation Homefront’s toy drive, which has provided more than 32,000 toys to military families.
Appleton’s Harley Davidson is located at 2501 Highway 41A (The Bypass).