CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 2, 2014) - - Patriots and citizens of the greater Chattanooga area gathered today to salute America's Armed Forces with the 65th Annual Armed Forces Day parade and luncheon.
The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council invited Maj. Gen. Leslie J. Carroll, U.S. Army Forces Command chief of staff, Fort Bragg, N.C., to serve as the parade grand marshal and luncheon keynote speaker.
In his keynote remarks, Carroll recognized the area's continued support for our military and our veterans, "I want to thank the over 50 patriotic organizations that represent the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council for your outstanding work in the tri-state area of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. You are key to recognizing, supporting, and honoring our Armed Forces, our veterans, and their Families."
The city has held this parade every year since 1950 and organizers have planned the parade for the first Friday of May to allow area high schools and Junior ROTC units to participate. This year more than 1,000 local JROTC cadets from twelve Tennessee and Georgia schools marched with the area's military units, veterans' groups, and other supporters.
Carroll was joined on the parade reviewing stand by local senior officers representing all the military services: Commodore David Marl, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 16; Lt. Col. Chris Smith, commander, 241st Engineering Installation Squadron, Tennessee Air National Guard; Lt. Cmdr. Todd Shively, commanding officer, Naval Operations Support Command, U.S. Navy; and Capt. Joshua Mills, inspector-instructor, Chattanooga U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Center, U.S. Marine Corps.
CAVC past chairman, retired Navy Rear Adm. Noah Long and current chairperson, retired Navy Cmdr. Patty Parks hosted Carroll at the luncheon which followed the parade.
The luncheon was attended by more than 400 local service members, veterans, and civic leaders that included Tennessee 3rd District Congressman, the Honorable Chuck Fleischman; Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger; and Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. The Distinguished Guest of Honor was World War II Medal of Honor recipient Tech. Sgt. Calvin H. Coolidge, who served with the U.S. Army's 36th Infantry Division.
Long introduced Carroll with some highlights of his military career and noted, 'The one thing I can tell you about Gen. Carroll -- he is the quintessential southern gentleman, so please give a good southern welcome to this fine southern gentleman."
Carroll spoke about the current state of the U.S. Army, its role as a part of the Joint Force with the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard; the road ahead in a more austere budgetary environment; and the commitment to a Total Army Force -- active, Guard, and Reserve.
"Every day, the Soldiers and employees of the Total Army Force inspire us with their competence, character, and commitment to serving our nation," said Carroll.
Carroll recalled the start of the American Revolution at Lexington Green and reminded the audience, "…and today, your Army still abides the same sentiment: 'Don't fire unless fired upon, But, if it's a war they want, then let it begin here."
"Our historic challenge today is to reshape into a smaller, yet capable, Army in the midst of sustained operational demand for forces and reduced budgets," said Carroll.
"Our ability to provide trained and ready Army forces will improve as we begin to balance readiness, end strength, and modernization," he continued.
Carroll also provided brief overviews of several current Army initiatives including; Regionally Aligned Forces, Soldier 2020, and the Ready and Resilient Campaign.
He concluded his remarks with a challenge to support America's veterans, "That's our sacred duty, as President Lincoln reminded us in his second inaugural address when he called upon the nation to care for those who have borne the burdens of battle and their Families.
"You, by being here today, demonstrate a commitment to that sacred duty.
"Your continuing work with our veterans, our military, and their families is a vital part of this readiness."
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