FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2008

CONTACT:

Fred Lindeberg Office: 202-585-2758 Cell: 202-510-0759 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. ARMY RESERVE COMMEMORATES
100TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE 2008
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Lieutenant General Jack C. Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserve, serves as Honorary Grand Marshal

Washington, DC — At today's National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC, the United States Army Reserve marked 100 years of service by America's Warrior-Citizens. Currently a force of more than 200,000 Soldiers, the Army Reserve has played a vital role in every major conflict and humanitarian mission of the past century. 

"It is a special honor for the Army Reserve to play a prominent role in this year's National Memorial Day Parade, and to help commemorate the sacrifices of all Americans who have served their country in the military throughout its history," said Lieutenant General Jack C. Stultz, Honorary Grand Marshal of the parade. "Today is a sacred day of remembrance for those who gave their lives to preserve our freedoms and liberties."

Up to 250,000 spectators are expected to gather to observe the National Memorial Day Parade along Constitution Avenue, which will include numerous floats, balloons, bands and military marching formations. Participants will include Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, and actors Mickey Rooney, Joe Mantegna and Gary Senise.

At a ceremony on Sunday at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Mickey Rooney was given the Freedom Team Salute, which recognizes individuals for their support of America's Soldiers. Mr. Rooney received the Bronze Star for valor during WWII.

Lieutenant General Jack.C. Stultz will be joined in the parade by Command Chief Warrant Officer James Thompson and Command Sergeant Major Leon Caffie. The 307th Army Reserve Band, from Norristown, Pennsylvania, will march and perform in remembrance of their fallen comrades.

For 100 years, the United States Army Reserve has demonstrated its strength and significance time and time again, playing an integral role in conflicts including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Iraq War and most recently the Global War on Terror, in addition to peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Army Reserve Soldiers, with their specialized skill-rich capabilities, form the backbone of the United States Army.

Throughout 2008, the Army Reserve is holding observances and special events across the nation in honor of 100 years of service and strength. For more information about the Army Reserve and its 100th Anniversary, please visit the Army Reserve 100th Anniversary Web site at ArmyReserve100th.com. Please also visit the Army Reserve Web site at www.ArmyReserve.Army.mil.

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