Huntsville salutes the military during Armed Forces Celebration Week

HUNTSVILLE – Everybody loves a celebration and honoring the military in the Madison County community is one of our favorite annual traditions.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle will launch the annual Armed Forces Celebration Week with a proclamation signing ceremony at 8 a.m. June 27.

Later Monday, Concerts in the Park begins at 6:30 p.m. with a special Armed Forces concert in Big Spring Park featuring the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band from Fort Benning. Fireworks will close out the evening.

As part of the salute, events and discounted admissions to sites such as the Huntsville Museum of Art and the EarlyWorks Family of Museums are available for active duty or retired military and their families throughout the week.

We hear Battle is warming up in the bullpen for the Community Rockets vs. Team Redstone Softball Game at Toyota Field on June 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (first pitch is 6 p.m.). The game features Madison County community leaders coached by Mark Russell with the Huntsville Sports Commission, against Team Redstone.

“We are excited about Armed Forces week and look forward to the softball game,” Russell said. “The players on Team Redstone are our heroes and we are going to do our best to give them a good game.”

Also on the community team this year is Kenny Anderson, director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the City; and District 1 City Council Member Devyn Keith.

“As part of the 2022 Armed Forces Celebration, the Team Redstone/Community Softball Game is a great opportunity to enjoy America’s favorite pastime while supporting the women and men who have served our great country,” said Mayor Battle. “We encourage everyone to come out, root for your favorite team and show both our active and retired military personnel how much we appreciate their service.”

There is no charge for admission; concessions are available but since Toyota Field is a no-cash facility, only debit/credit cards can be used for purchases.

The Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce is June 29 at the VBC South Hall at noon. The luncheon is to recognize the role Redstone Arsenal plays in the defense of our nation and the economic impact that it has on our region.

Army Materiel Command Commanding General Edward M. Daly is the keynote speaker.

Click here to register for the luncheon.

The weeklong celebration concludes July 1 with the Iron Mike AUSA Golf Tournament at The Links on Redstone Arsenal. Tee time is 8 a.m. with a shotgun start. There is still time to register for the golf tournament by clicking here.