CLARKSVILLE, TN – Sam Corey is arguably one of the most patriotic individuals in the city of Clarksville. Corey has been hosting an annual patriotic Fourth of July block party and parade every year in the North Clarksville neighborhood of Spring Creek Estates since moving here more than 20 years ago.

Sam Corey’s birthday is July 20, and he will be turning 95 this year. He spent 25 years in the Army, retiring as command sergeant major. For more than 50 years, Corey has made celebrating the Fourth a big deal. When he moved into the Spring Creek subdivision, he invited the entire neighborhood to join in.

Each year in late June, neighbors receive a flier inviting them to a flag ceremony, followed by a pot luck breakfast and then a parade. This year, about 75 people were part of the festivities.

Promptly at 7:30 a.m., Corey has the group form before the U.S. flag in front of his home. Called to attention and commanded to present arms, the formation sings the national anthem, followed by the pledge of allegiance and a verse of “God Bless America.”

Then everyone lines up for breakfast and camaraderie on a driveway set up like a pop-up cafe. Participants range in age from infant to the 95-year-old grand marshal himself and most are dressed in red, white and blue garb. While most are Spring Creek residents, some are previous residents who return like swallows to Capistrano, enjoying the opportunity to be part of a tradition.

The event ends with a parade through the neighborhood. This being a neighborhood celebration, everyone is welcome to participate. The 20 “main units” include decorated lawn mowers (one dressed up as a tank), golf carts, classic cars, and at the head is “Uncle Sam” Corey on a mobility scooter. In addition to Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty is there, holding her torch high, as is patriotic Santa Claus and kids on bikes and marchers.

Uncle Sam takes lead, weaving a 1.5 mile route though the Spring Creek neighborhood. The 30-minute parade is heralded by honking horns, noisemakers and bell ringing. Area residents come out to wave and take pictures.

Uncle Sam Corey intends to continue this yearly event as long as he is alive. “We live in a land of the free, and it’s important to show that we support our nation.”