CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A ceremony was held Wednesday, August 14 at Patriot’s Park in Clarksville to dedicate a segment of Highway 41-A on Fort Campbell Blvd as the “Vietnam Legacy Veterans POW/MIA Memorial Highway.” Two road signs were uncovered, one in the north bound lanes and another in the south bound lanes along 41-A.
The newly re-christened highway stretches from the intersection of Tiny Town Road to State Line Road. The new name is meant to honor the dedication and sacrifice of the brave men and women of Montgomery County who valiantly served their country in the U.S armed forces and gave their lives as prisoners of war in the Vietnam War.
Tennessee State Representative Jason Hodges, State Senator Bill Powers and Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts attended the ceremony and spoke to the over 35 people, most of them veterans. Representative Hodges was instrumental in getting the legislation passed and the segment of road dedicated after a request from Vietnam veteran A.J. Perrone.
“You know the great thing about having so many veterans in this community is they never stop serving. They get out of the military and they continue serving, like A.J. Perrone does by advocating for other veterans. And that’s exactly what he did so we’re thankful to them,” said Hodges.
Perrone said the dedication of the roadway is a reminder for America’s armed forces. “To show respect for those who have failed to return from combat and Clarksville being a military town, we need to make sure that today’s soldiers, when they go by this sign, realize that if they don’t make it back they’re not forgotten. I ain’t never going to forget,” Perrone said.