Redstone Arsenal celebrated 75 years in a fashion fitting of the diamond anniversary at the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, June 30.

Over 700 community members, elected officials, Army leaders, family and friends attended the Armed Forces Week Dinner celebrating the 75th anniversary of the installation.

The evening's events included a special performance by the Historical Trumpets and Flutes of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, toasts by community and Redstone senior leaders, music from the Army Materiel Command Band, and keynote remarks by AMC Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via.

Sharing pieces of Redstone's 75 year history, Via told the story of how when the first line of the Redstone Ordnance Plant began operation on March 28, 1942, the production quota for the whole month was 40,000 rounds. With only three days to complete the quota, the line produced more than 55,000 rounds.

"From day one, the standard was set. Redstone Arsenal, as it was renamed the following year, would meet and exceed all expectations," said Via. "And the reputation for excellence that it earned during World War II was never forgotten."

Via said he met with most of the Combatant Commanders around the world this week, and collectively, the primary installation that supports them is Redstone Arsenal.

"In any area, any place in the world, they comment about the tremendous support they receive day in and day out from the organizations on Redstone Arsenal," he said. "Leaders worldwide rely on Redstone Arsenal organizations as the epicenter of technological and logistics expertise and support."

From an ordnance plant to "Rocket City," to becoming the home of one of the Army's four-star commands, the arsenal and the community have grown together.

"One thing hasn't change over the last 75 years, and that is the appreciation this community has for Redstone Arsenal and the appreciation Redstone Arsenal has for this community," he said.

The dinner was the culminating event for Huntsville and Madison County's annual Armed Forces Celebration Week, which kicked off June 24 with the communities' proclamation signing, featuring the Silver Wings Jump Team. Other events included Huntsville's Concert in the Park and an AMC Band hosted special performance celebrating Redstone's 75 years at Huntsville High School.