HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Tennessee Valley civic and military leaders began Armed Forces Celebration Week festivities with a proclamation signing ceremony on June 10 at Veterans Memorial Park in Huntsville.
A weeklong series of events throughout the community, Armed Forces Celebration Week honors the service and sacrifice of men and women who have served in all branches of the military, past and present, and recognizes the partnership of Team Redstone with North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley.
“What an honor it is to be here today,” said Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. “This is awesome! I can’t think of a more appropriate place to be this morning than in front of this monument highlighting the ultimate sacrifice for so many that have given so much for this country.”
Gainey said that members of Team Redstone are grateful for a community that has always welcomed the armed forces with so much support for service members and their families.
“Today is not just about Armed Forces Week, but it is every day,” Gainey said. “Every day this community gives to Redstone Arsenal. We feel supported and valued as members. On behalf of the Redstone Arsenal team, thank you for your participation this morning and we look forward to a great week.”
Gainey accepted the proclamation signed by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison City Mayor Paul Finley and Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon.
Battle said he appreciates how the community supports the military members and civilians who work on Redstone Arsenal.
“Armed Forces Week embodies what our community is about,” Battle said. “We don’t have an Armed Forces Day, we have an Armed Forces Week. We are very proud to be a part of Team Redstone and we, as a community, promise to continue our support for this valiant effort.”
Aside from the proclamation, the chamber’s annual Armed Forces Celebration Week includes a concert in the park, a community concert in the park by the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band from Fort Moore, Georgia, an Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon, an Army Birthday celebration dinner, as well as other events.
“I’d like to welcome you to the community’s Armed Forces Celebration proclamation signing ceremony,” said retired Maj. Gen. James R. Myles, Armed Forces Celebration Week Committee chairman. “We greatly appreciate our elected officials and military leaders attending today’s event and for all that they do to make this a better and safer place to live. Thank you for being here today.
“We are proud to be a military community that plays a critical role in the defense of our nation,” he added. “Please keep our Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, coast guardsmen and guardians serving our nation on point and in harms-way around the world in your thoughts and prayers that they may accomplish their mission and return home safely to their families and communities. May God continue to bless this great nation.”
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