CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Military Affairs Committee of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the their Eternal Flame Ceremony Friday on Public Square downtown. The Eternal Flame was lit in 2004 and the annual ceremony honors the men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell, Major General Brian Winski, Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, laid a wreath at the base of the 30 foot Pillar of Cloud & Pillar of Fire Monument which holds the flame.
General Winski talked about the support of Fort Campbell by the local communities. “This is the best place in the world to live, it’s the best place to serve in the U.S. Army because it’s a great unit and Fort Campbell’s a great installation, but most importantly we’re surrounded by incredible communities. On behalf of all the soldiers serving at Fort Campbell, thank you for today and everything that you do for our soldiers and our veterans,” Winski said.
Both Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett recognized and thanked local citizens, soldiers, and veterans for their service and support and for attending the Eternal Flame Ceremony. Military and Government Relations Coordinator for the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, Phil Harpel, provided a brief history of the Eternal Flame.