For years, Christian County and its cities of Hopkinsville, Pembroke, Crofton and Oak Grove have supported Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division — embracing their presence when, and wherever, possible.
Another olive branch was extended Friday morning, when officials unveiled the first-ever “Hometown Heroes” banner in the parking lot of U.S. Patriot on Fort Campbell Boulevard — just across from T.C. Freeman Gate Four.
Many more will be revealed in the coming weeks, as friends and family have been purchasing them since the program was announced. But the first one means the most, honoring T.C.’s surviving husband: former Garrison Commander and retired Col. Bob Freeman.
A current member of the Christian County Military Affairs Committee, Freeman said he didn’t have much say in the matter — other than to humbly accept the honor, at the request of those around him.
However, he also said the idea of banners stemmed from another nearby community.
A 30-year veteran who has enjoyed not one, but two, retirements — first from the military in 1986, then later from Bank of America in 2000 — Friday was a full-circle moment for Freeman.
Another banner soon to be hung in Oak Grove: George Oliver, U.S. Army.
It’s the husband of proud Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver, who called Friday’s brief ceremony “moving.”
For some, it may seem like a simple piece of vinyl — strapped to a power pole. Oliver, however, said seeing them hanging is important to loved ones, who honored freedom with their vigilance to service.
Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam and Mayor J.R. Knight also shared strong support for these new measures.
Those still hoping to purchase banners may do so at hopkinsvilleky.us.
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