FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Although school starting signals that the end of summer is near, Families have an opportunity to gather for one more memory maker here Aug. 19.
Due to inclement weather, the Music Under the Alabama Stars concert originally scheduled for June 10 was cancelled. Calendars are now synched for an evening of entertainment and relaxation starting at 6:30 p.m. on Howze Field.
Maj. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, invites Soldiers, Families and community members to join him for a relaxing evening of Music Under the Alabama Stars.
“I envision a relaxed atmosphere for our Families. A park full of lawn chairs, Frisbees, children and leashed pets running around. A way to say ‘thanks for your hard work’ by enjoying the great music of our band,” Crutchfield said.
The 98th Army “Silver Wings” Band will perform about 20 minutes of patriotic music followed by a traditional Streamer Ceremony, featuring re-enactors from the Wiregrass area. The evening will conclude with a rock concert and should last about an hour and a half, according to CW4 Jesse Pascua, bandmaster.
“The music is ready, and I’m tweaking the script. I encourage Families to arrive early with their blankets, lawn chairs and coolers to settle in a nice shady spot,” Pascua said.
The Streamer Ceremony is traditionally conducted in celebration of the June 14 Army Birthday, according to Pascua.
“When the 13 original colonies began their fight for freedom at Lexington, they had neither an established Army nor a national flag,” Pascua said. “Militia units of this period had local banners, which reflected in many cases the sentiment of the times. Banners included mottos such as ‘Hope,’ ‘Liberty,’ ‘Don’t Tread on Me,’ ‘Live Free or Die,’ and symbolic representations such as snakes, beavers, pine trees and anchors.
“The Army flag, as we have come to know it today, was dedicated and unfurled for the first time on the Army’s 181st birthday, June 14, 1956, by then-Vice President Richard Nixon at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa.,” he added.
“The 178 streamers attached to the Army flag represent campaigns fought by Soldiers throughout our nation’s history. Each streamer is embroidered with the designation of the campaign and year in which it occurred. The colors of the streamers are derived from campaign ribbons authorized for service during that action or war,” Pascua said.
“The Army flag and its multi-colored streamers are symbolic of the heroism, valor, courage and dedication of patriots who served our nation in time of need. Our Army was there at the birth of the nation and serves today, as a beacon of light around the world in the cause of liberty,” he said.
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