CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Visit Clarksville will be hosting the eighth annual Welcome Home Veterans Celebration next week. The four-day celebration includes a variety of events designed to show appreciation for the service and valor of America’s veterans, according to a news release.

“The Welcome Home Veterans Celebrations is so dear to me,” said Visit Clarksville Director of Tourism Sales Frances Manzitto in the release. “It’s a time for tour groups and military personnel to gather and fellowship, to remember, honor and celebrate their service time together and those that gave all in sacrifice for our nation.”

Activities for the week include meals, guest speakers, ceremonies, concerts and the Welcome Home Veterans parade.

“We are honored to be hosting this event for all the brave men and women who have served our country,” said Jerry Allbert, Visit Clarksville Board of Directors chairman. “It is always a memorable weekend full of good food, great music and camaraderie.”

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Wednesday kicks off the four-day event with an opening barbecue dinner and a performance by Mark Alan Cash. The Opening Dinner will be at 6 p.m. at Valor Hall, 105 Walter Garrett Lane, Oak Grove, Kentucky. Tickets are $30.

Thursday, Sept. 14

Thursday begins with a Hero Breakfast with local JROTC cadets and veterans having the opportunity to dine together. The breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church Clarksville, 499 Commerce St. Tickets are $18.

A special free reception honoring women veterans will be conducted at Tennessee Valley Brewing at 2 p.m. in the afternoon.

The night will end with a Remembrance Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church Clarksville.

Friday, Sept. 15

The Valor Luncheon and Quilts of Valor presentation will kick off Friday’s festivities at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Clarksville, 499 Commerce St.

The featured speaker will be David Christian, who was wounded in action seven times and awarded several medals including the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving in South Vietnam as a lieutenant. He is best known for his veterans’ advocacy efforts.

Quilts of Valor will also be presented at this catered meal. Tickets are $60 can be purchased at this online site. Sponsored by CDE Lightband.

​Capping off the night will be the Salute to Veterans Dinner at 6 p.m. at The Ruby Cora, 2300 Gunn Road, Adams. Tickets are $60. Enjoy a delicious meal in this beautiful venue, with time to reflect on the activities of the week. After dinner, the event will celebrate the 100th birthday of country music legend Hank Williams Sr. with a tribute show featuring Jason Petty.

Saturday, Sept. 16

Saturday is a day of celebration. The day begins with the seventh annual Welcome Home Veterans Parade taking the streets at 10 a.m. in downtown Clarksville. The parade features local JROTC cadets, marching bands, military vehicles and floats, and veterans who wish to walk or ride in the parade.

The evening will conclude with the free event Barbecue and Bluegrass at 5 p.m. at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery, 1100 Dunlop Lane, with a performance by the local bluegrass band Passenger Creek.

For more

Details and online registration are available at welcomehomeveteranscelebration.com. Tickets and special ticket packages are available at the tickets website. For more information about bringing your group to the celebration, contact Frances Manzitto by email at frances@visitclarksvilletn.com or by phone at 931-320-0869.