By 
June 23, 2017
During this time of year, we are afforded many opportunities to reflect on the fact that the many have benefited from the gift of the few. The gift is the freedom we enjoy – the rights, liberties and opportunities afforded us as citizens of the United States of America. The few who make this possible – those who serve in the armed forces – are the less than 1% of the population. To all who are serving and those who have served, their families who support them, and the civil servants and contractors who act as force multipliers, thank you!
The Armed Forces Celebration is an annual week-long series of events planned by the City of Huntsville, the City of Madison, Madison County, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, the Association of the US Army and local military organizations. We show our appreciation to those who serve our Country as soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and those who work on Redstone Arsenal to give those warfighters the tools they need to do their jobs and defend this great Nation.
We are proud to be a military community that plays a critical role in the defense of our nation. Redstone-based commands and activities are responsible for the efficient management of well over $50 billion annually in the federal budget.
The direct and indirect economic impact of the Arsenal accounts for roughly half of our local economy and more than 100,000 Alabama jobs – totaling nearly seven percent of the State’s GDP.
Join us for these events and bring a friend:
On Monday, June 26 we will host a Proclamation Signing at 8 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial. Later that day, come to the Concert in the Park at Big Spring Park featuring the Army Materiel Command Band, followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
On Tuesday, June 27 we will celebrate Korean War Vets with a special luncheon and we’ll host a free concert featuring the AMC Band at James Clemens High School in Madison.
On Wednesday, June 28 we’ll have our Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon featuring General Gus Perna, the commanding General of the Army Materiel Command. The AMC Band will also perform.
On Thursday, June 29, AUSA will host its Iron Mike Golf Tournament and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center will host a special Biergarten event benefiting veterans under the Saturn V Rocket.
On Friday, June 29 watch two exhibition softball games at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. Join us at the Metro Kiwanis Sportsplex and watch the Recreation League Senior All-Stars play the Community Leaders Team (including local elected leaders) and the Association of the US Army team (Team AUSA), against Team Redstone (including military leaders).
See the full Armed Forces Week schedule
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is proud to support our men and women in uniform through the Armed Forces Celebration. We also thank the members of the AMC Band for their talents and participation in several events through the week.
Guest contributor Chip Cherry, CCE, is President & CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
