REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (SMDC/ARSTRAT) Historical Office will celebrate the Army's 233rd Birthday on June 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Von Braun Complex on Redstone Arsenal.
The celebration kicks off at 8:30 a.m. in the courtyard behind Building 5220 with opening remarks by Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell, SMDC/ARSTRAT commanding general. Following his remarks will be the cutting of the Army birthday cake.
The birthday celebration will feature costumed interpreters representing approximately 12 different eras in American military history. This "historical timeline" will be set up in the courtyard on the north side of the building. Hourly musket and cannon firing demonstrations will also be conducted.
The special guest speaker for the event is Cpl. Newton Duke, Purple Heart veteran of the Korean War. Duke survived twenty-seven months as a Prisoner of War in North Korea from 1951-1953 and was wounded seven times throughout his career. In addition to the Purple Heart, he is the recipient of the POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and a Presidential Unit Citation. Campbell presented Duke with his Purple Heart on June 7. Duke currently resides in Pinson, Alabama, with his wife.
All Redstone employees are invited to attend these festivities.
In the event of inclement weather, applicable activities will be moved inside the lobby area of Building 5220.
For more information, please call (256) 955-2830 or (256) 955-1133.
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