SENATOR ALEXANDER MAKES GOOD on 1986 HOMECOMING PROMISE

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Back in 1986, Tennessee's Governor Lamar Alexander had a vision and that was to have every county in Tennessee a part of Homecoming 86. He authorized the Department of Forestry to deliver and plant a three foot Tulip Poplar Tree in each county to beautify an event location and to commemorate the occasion. As Chairman of the Benton County Homecoming 86 and Tennessee's Bi Centennial in 1996, they planted the tree in the park with the wishing well, gazebo and the walk bridge at Birdsong Resort and Marina, an official event location.

On Tuesday, October 3, 2006 form 10:00 to 11:30 am, Senator Alexander spent about an hour and a half visiting and talking with some 35 area residents including the Mayor of Benton County, Jimmy Wiseman, Representatives Steve McDaniel of Parkers Crossroads and John C. Tidwell of New Johnsonville. Alexander commented on education, history in schools, war in Iraq and the economy. The Senator was very surprised to see and enjoy over 50 exhibits of Homecoming ’86 as he made several comments about his days s Governor of Tennessee during those years as a visionary Governor with the idea to bring Tennessee together in a year long celebration of homecoming, celebration, fun, music, food and dance in all 95 counties.

As Governor, he tried to visit each county in 1986 to dedicate the tree and present a bronze plaque. Benton County was one of those counties that the dedication did not happen for whatever reason.

Then entire group rode down to the park on several golf carts as Senator Alexander made good on his promise to dedicate the state's official tree, The Tulip Poplar which stands over 30 feet tall beautifying the entire park on the scenic Birdsong Creek. The 1986 bronze plaque will be cemented at the base of the tree by Senator Alexander and Bob Keast while Benton County Mayor Jimmy Wiseman, Janis Keast, Lynnette Douglas and Don Myers looked on.

Birdsong was an official site for Homecoming with the Homecoming 86 Bass Tournament and other activities that supported the statewide effort.

Bob Keast and his Father rode on the Homecoming ‘86 train from Bristol to Memphis during May of 1986 stopping in every town along the way. Also on the train were Virginia Whitworth and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Graham from Big Sandy. Camden was one of those whistle stops celebrating Tennessee with food, entertainment and a variety of celebrities such as noted author, Alex Haley and country star Lynn Anderson to name a few.

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