NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
11 May 2004

NATION’S MILITARY FORCES TO BE SALUTED ON MAY 15 ON CITY ISLAND ARMED FORCES DAY; PUBLIC INVITED

Harrisburg, PA—The largest Armed Forces Day Celebration in the state will be a salute to the men and women now serving our nation, and will be held on Harrisburg City Island on Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to Dusk, Mayor Stephen R. Reed and Rear Admiral Justin D. McCarthy SC, USN, Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command today announced. The unique event transforms City island into a sprawling military base for the day, and features an extensive array of military displays, exhibitions, living history demonstrations, speakers, family and children’s activities all of which are free and open to the public.

Reed said the event is entitled “Armed Forces Day 2004”, and continues a tradition begun three years ago when City Island hosted the first-ever Armed Forces Day Celebration held outside a military base.

The Mayor said the free, daylong event is for the general public to learn about the history and present day activities of the U.S. Armed Forces, and to show our support for our troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, Kosovo and other places around the world. The day begins with an 8:00 a.m. Armed Forces Day 5K Run, which is open to both military and civilian personnel. Official Opening Ceremonies get underway at 10:00 a.m. on the Island’s north parking area, and will include the Joint Services Color Guard, live musical performances by the PA Army National Guard Band, and a 21-gun salute by B/1-108th Field Artillery Unit of the PA Army National Guard. Featured speakers Rear Admiral Justin D. McCarthy and Brigadier General Robert French, USA, Deputy Adjutant General, PA Army National Guard, and Colonel George J. Pecharka, USAR, Commander, 1185th TTB, 99th Regional Support Command, and Mayor Reed. A highlight of the Opening Ceremonies will be a flyover by A-10 ‘Warthogs’ from the 111th Fighter Wing of the PA Air National guard.

Afterward, all of the exhibits and displays will be open throughout City Island, including historical reenactments by Civil War Cavalry and infantry units and World War II reenactors, the John Harris High School NJROTC Drill Team, and performances by the 307th Army Reserve Band. A wide array of military vehicles and equipment will be on display, and new for this year is an antique care and motorcycle show, which will be held on the City Island parking lot.

A special feature of the day will be a “Camp Schmidt Challenge” for youth and young adults, including the Army Recruiting Rock Wall and Inflatable Obstacle Course, the Marine Corps Chin-up Station and several other physical challenges. Awards will be presented to the best scorers in the Challenge.

Reed said the extensive series of activities are a Joint Military Services Event on which military and city personnel have been working for months.

“That America enjoys its freedom and liberty is the direct result of the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. As in Iraq today, in times of war and peace, they are the ones who have assured our nation’s survival, allowing America to grow and thrive. So much is owed to those who serve today and those who have served in our past. This Armed Forces Day commemoration is a very timely opportunity for us to say thank you, meet present day military personnel, and to view the activities and equipment that are part of today’s military operations,” Reed said.

“The public should not to miss this extraordinary celebration. It is a free, family-oriented event to which all are invited.”

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