By Charles Booth, APSU
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University is partnering with Montgomery County and the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce to honor the veterans and military-affiliated individuals who live, study and work in this community.
The University is tailoring its 2014 Homecoming Celebration to include the military theme “Gov Strong.” Both entities will host a joint Homecoming/Veterans Day Parade through downtown Clarksville and campus at 10 a.m. on Nov. 8.
**Note: Vehicles parked on 3rd Street must be moved by 7 a.m. Saturday or they will be towed.**
“Homecoming is always an exciting time of year for reconnecting with old friends, but we must never forget that we get to enjoy these special reunions because of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women,” APSU President Alisa White said. “I’m honored that we are able to partner with Montgomery County to say thank you to the brave individuals who live among us.”
Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett added, “We are privileged in Montgomery County to work and live among many heroes in uniform. Although we honor them every day, the events of this week remind us all that we owe the men and women in uniform, along with their families, our greatest respect and admiration.”
At 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 22nd Annual Veterans Day Breakfast in the APSU Morgan University Center. The cost is $20 and reservations can be made via email to yvonnep@clarksville.tn.us or by phone at 931-245-4340.
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization will host a special pre-parade ceremony at the south entrance to the historic Montgomery County Courthouse in downtown Clarksville.
The 2014 APSU Homecoming/Clarksville-Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of Eight Street and College Street. The procession will feature the 101st Airborne Division Marching Band, APSU organizations, the Governors Own Marching Band, veterans groups, community organizations and youth groups from the area.
At 1 p.m., APSU will honor six distinguished graduates during its annual Alumni Awards Lunch in the Morgan University Center Ballroom. This year’s honorees include 2014 Outstanding Service Award recipients Don Jenkins and Len Rye; Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipients Angelica Suffren (’99) and Shawn Kelley (’06); and Outstanding Alumni recipients Dr. Jaime Taylor (’90) and Dr. Warren Chaney (‘64). Tickets to the event are $25 per person, and advance reservations are required by Wednesday, Nov. 5. For more information contact the APSU Alumni Relations Office at 931-221-7979.
All veterans and community members are invited to stay on campus for the APSU Homecoming football game against Tennessee State University at 4 p.m. The Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at half-time during the game.
A complete listing of APSU Homecoming events is available online at http://www.apsu.edu/homecoming. For more information, contact Alumni Relations Office at 931-221-7979 or 1-800-264-2586.