“This is a solemn and important occasion, one that we all share, long remember with pride for the small part that we are contributing. We are assembled here to pay tribute to the men, women, and children of our community, those men who are worthy of far greater recognition than mere words or markers. We dedicate these names & may their memories last forever.”
Herbert Everett, VFW Commander
“The flag is the symbol of all that is sacred to us. Look at it closely for a moment. The flag of the United States reflects what we are and what we hope to be. The white stripes symbolize purity of purpose in our freedom of thought, expression, and worship; the red stripes of courage symbolizes our willingness for preservation of American ideals; the blue stripes represent tranquility upon which the stars of our states are united to hold intact all that is truly ours.”
Joanne Hammuck, VFW Auxiliary
“We gather this day to honor an extraordinarily significant piece of Clarksville as it is recognized in the history of Greenwood Cemetery. That piece has come to be known as the Public Burial Site! Due to the forward thinking of the Clarksville governing body of that day, the establishment of Greenwood Cemetery provided a resting place for all Clarksville citizens and also included an area for those unable to afford a burial plot.
Through eleven decades until April 1966, nearly 600 people were interred in this Site. Among those here are 109 infants, 63 children (one through 18), 7 unknown persons, and 7 veterans who are now recognized by military markers.
In recognition of eleven decades and hundreds of persons who are at rest in the Public Burial Site of Greenwood Cemetery, let us reflect in gratitude for the inclusion and preservation of this dedicated Site.
With respect for the decades, the site and those who rest there, the bell will now toll 11 times.”
Jo Anne Smiley, Mayor
“Today, we are honoring 597 individuals interred here in unmarked and unidentified graves. The names and year of death are imprinted on the tiles on these four benches. As you look at the names, you will realize that older records were incomplete. Some had full names, others last name only. We think many were buried in this area near the benches and to the south. We, of course, do not know if our list is complete.
Until the late 1960s, there was an organization in Clarksville known as the Women’s Chamber of Commerce. They performed civic things, managing festivals and events, and owned the building on North Front Street known as the Community Building. My dad played basketball there, and my mother played on the Clarksville Women’s Independent Team in the 1920s and 30s. These women also ran a movie theater there; cost a dime to get in, and Cokes were a nickel. In later years, it was a skating rink and temporarily housed Kamp Togs textile factory. The building burned, and the insurance proceeds were not enough to restore the building.
Not long after, the aging members decided to terminate the organization and liquidate their assets. A trust fund was created specifically for the benefit of Greenwood, and over the years, the trust assisted with road repair, tree removal, and headstone repairs.
A couple of years ago, Helaine Mackey and I discussed having a memorial to recognize and honor the souls in unmarked graves. John Andrews joined us, came up with the idea of benches with tiles inscribed with names.
We formalized the list, and John supervised & managed the entire project.
Thank you to the Cemetery Board for supporting, advising us, and designating “Breakfast money” to the project. Thank you to Barker Horticulture, Monica, and Simon for the plants and landscape work. Thank you to Jennifer Keller for maintaining and preserving the cemetery records. Thank you to the Mayor for giving us advice, guidance, and keeping us in line.”
Jim T. Cooper, Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Trustee