CLARKSVILLE, TN – An assembly of patriots who are participating in the community-wide celebration of “The Road to 250,” America’s 250th birthday, gathered at the Customs House Museum and Culture Center the evening of June 25 to recognize the many people who are making the celebration successful.
The program has two tracks, “America’s Story” and “Community Spirit in Action.” It was the first program that was the focus of this Awards Reception. The second track is still underway.
At the June 25 reception, 78 playwrights, narrators, actors and key administrative and technical experts shared in the glory as Certificates of Achievement, Certificates of Appreciation, unique Semiquincentennial Coins and Lapel Pins were awarded by the Clarksville-Montgomery County community. In addition, Marie Tillman of The Daughters of The American Revolution awarded 95 Certificates of Commendation to The Cumberland Winds and the Clarksville Children’s Choir for their musical contributions.
This community-wide celebration was launched in July 2024, with a Joint Proclamation by Mayors Wes Golden and Joe Pitts, APSU President Michael Licari, and Generals Brett Sylvia and Brian Winski at Fort Campbell.
During this Awards Reception, the point was made that the Semiquincentennial is so important that we need to do more than celebrate with fireworks and parades. We need to actually think about how America’s freedoms came to be, how they facilitated national success and how we have preserved them. A confident spirit was essential for the volunteer performers who told this story throughout the 12 staged sessions, and Anna Filippo, the professional acting coach, knew just how to cultivate that spirit. Dewey Browder, the program coordinator, thanked her for facilitating success.
Also during the reception, Chris Smith, editor-in-chief of Clarksville Now, commented on the importance of the media to democracy in our community. Marie Tillman, of the DAR, spoke of that organization’s support for “The Road to 250.” Ellen Kanervo, director of the Clarksville Arts and Heritage Council, thanked Browder for his leadership in the celebrations with a plaque bearing the Road to 250 logo. Kathy Lee of the APSU Communications Department screened a video with a short clip from each of the sessions. And Charlie King, of both The Cumberland Winds and the Sons of The American Revolution, delivered a stirring rendition of “God Bless America.”