Armed Forces Celebration Week activities begin near Redstone Arsenal

By Mr. Christopher Putman (AMC)June 13, 2012

proclamation signing
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proclamation signing
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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- A proclamation and Army Community Covenant signing at the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County officially started an activities-filled Armed Forces Celebration Week within the community that surrounds Redstone Arsenal, June 11.

In front of a room packed with local civic and military leaders Joe Fitzgerald, Chairman, Armed Forces Celebration Week Committee presented the proclamation to Lt. Gen. (P) Dennis Via, Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command.

"We sincerely appreciate all of the efforts, hard work and thought that have gone on to make this such a successful and enjoyable week," said Via. "It is with great honor that I accept this proclamation on behalf of Team Redstone. We look forward to this week's events and to the continued support of this outstanding community."

The proclamation declaring it Armed Forces Celebration Week was signed by Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison Mayor Paul Finley.

Monday evening featured a concert by the AMC Four Star Jazz Orchestra and the AMC Concert Band. Even though the event was moved indoors because of weather there was a large audience filled with veterans.

The annual week-long celebration coincides with the Army Birthday and the theme of this year's celebration is "Keeping America Strong and Secure: United in Purpose -- Steadfast in Service. Activities scheduled for the week will include the U.S. Army Soldier Show, a golf tournament, a 237th Army Birthday Celebration, an Armed Forces Salute Luncheon, Wounded Warrior softball games and Military Appreciation Night at the Huntsville Stars baseball game.