NATION’S MILITARY FORCES TO BE SALUTED AT 7th ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY, SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008, ON HARRISBURG’S CITY ISLAND
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed and U.S. Navy Captain Jim Naber, the 2008 military host chair, invite the public to participate in the largest Armed Forces Day Celebration in Central Pennsylvania, scheduled for May 17th on Harrisburg’s City Island.
Reed said the event is a salute to both the men and women now serving our nation and our veterans. 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, musical performances and a special parachute jump exhibition by the 101st Airborne Division’s "Screaming Eagles", all of which are free and open to the public.
Reed said this 7th annual Armed Forces Day 2008 is titled "United in Freedom" and continues a tradition begun seven years ago when City Island hosted the first-ever Armed Forces Day Celebration held outside of a military base. This year’s activities begin with a YMCA 5-K Run at 8:00 a.m. followed by joint service military displays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The opening ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. and will feature an EC-130J flyover and a 21-gun salute from the 108th Field Artillery, PA Army National Guard. Mayor Stephen R. Reed will deliver his annual Armed Forces Day Address and will be joined on the dais by military speakers and local dignitaries. Emcee for the Opening Ceremony will be R.J. Harris from WHP 580 AM. A highlight of this year’s ceremony will be a procession of Armed Forces Past, Present and Future which will immediately follow the Mayor’s address.
Armed Forces Day 2008 will feature a variety of musical entertainment including solo performances by contemporary gospel and patriotic singer/songwriter Jim Worthing at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., a performance by the rock band "Checkmate" from the 307th Army Reserve Band at 1:00 p.m. and the Lochiel Emerald Society Pipes & Drums will be strolling on the north end of the Island from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Red 102.3 will also be on site, broadcasting interviews and live event commentary.
Reed said Armed Forces Day 2008 is a joint military service event co-hosted by the Defense Depot Susquehanna Pennsylvania (DDSP) in New Cumberland and the City of Harrisburg. Navy Captain Jim Naber, DDSP Commanding Officer, is pleased to join Mayor Reed in announcing that a special addition to this year's program is an exhibition by the Army's elite "101st Screaming Eagles" Parachute Jump Team at Senators Commerce Bank Park Stadium at 1:45 p.m.
In addition to seeing historical military re-enactors, there will be something for everyone in the entire family with over 80 static and interactive displays and activities, including Chinook and other helicopters; the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle, M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank, and the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle; the Air Force's F-22 Raptor mini-jet/interactive display; Navy SEABEE demos, the Navy Ship Models, Army Rock Wall, Marine Chin-up Bar, Navy & Army Beam Hit Computer Guns & Simulators and many other displays. The famous Army Challenge Obstacle Course for adults and youth will again be featured in the 19th Hole area along with many information booths, including blood pressure checks and veterans benefits counselors from the Lebanon VA Hospital which will be positioned at various spots on City Island.
Returning this year will be the popular "Make and Take" model program for young people aged 5 to 14 years old, sponsored by The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society. Of special interest to the public will be the availability of job opportunity information for the Defense Distribution Center in New Cumberland, said Reed.
The Mayor encouraged families to make a day of the event and noted that the Harrisburg Senators baseball club will host the Altoona Curve at 6:05 p.m. at Commerce Bank Park.
Reed also noted that the City of Harrisburg wishes to thank the following sponsors for their support of Armed Forces Day 2008: the Harrisburg Senators; Renewal by Andersen/Owens Corning; Geico; Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson; Nextel; WHTM ABC 27 and Red 102.3.
For more information on specific activity times, please visit the Parks & Recreation Department’s website at www.harrisburgevents.com and click on the Armed Forces Day logo.
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