HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Each year, the Huntsville/Madison County community plans a number of events for the annual Armed Forces Celebration.
For 2025, events stretch over two weeks, officially starting on June 2 and finishing up on June 14. Below is a list of the events provided by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, as well as pictures from these events last year!
Monday, June 2 – Proclamation Signing Ceremony
Held at the Huntsville/Madison County Veterans Memorial, leaders from Huntsville, Madison, Madison County and Redstone Arsenal will sign a proclamation at 8 a.m. to kick off our 2025 Armed Forces Celebration. The Rocket City Brass Band will perform patriotic music. In case of rain, the signing will be moved indoors to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber at 225 Church Street NW. The Chamber said the weather call will be made in the afternoon of June 1.
Wednesday, June 4 – Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon
The Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon will be held in the VBC Saturn Ballroom at noon. Redstone is the home of the four-star Army Materiel Command and a dozen other Army Commands and Offices, as well as offices for the Missile Defense Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency. More than 45,000 people work on base, and over $50 billion in federal budgets are managed on Redstone. Lieutenant General Christopher Mohan, Deputy Commanding General and Acting Commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command, is our scheduled speaker.
Thursday, June 5 – Annual Community Softball Game
Held at Toyota Field, Community leaders will host Redstone Arsenal leaders in this annual Community Softball Game. The game starts at 6 p.m. and parking and admission are free. In addition, the first 500 people through the gates get a free hot dog!
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the first pitch is at 6 p.m. The Chamber said it is inviting everyone to come watch the game and enjoy a night at the ballpark. The North Alabama Rockets and Team Redstone will be competing for the coveted “Target Destroyed” trophy. Familiar faces on the field include:
- Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle
- Madison Mayor Paul Finley
- Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon
- Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner
- Huntsville Sports Commission Director Mark Russell
- Major General Kevin Meisler, Army Materiel Command Chief of Staff
- Garrison Command Sergeant Major John Fritz
- And more!
Business After Hours: Special Armed Forces Edition at Community Softball Game
- 5 to 7 p.m.
- Held at Toyota Field during the Community Softball Game
- Registered attendees may set up a table and showcase their business
- Bring signage, swag, and a smile
The Chamber said space is limited, so register for this here.
Friday, June 6 – Military Appreciation Night at Huntsville City FC
Held at Wicks Family Field, Huntsville City FC will take on Orlando City B at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. Before the game, the Redstone Test Center is scheduled to perform a flyover, and there will be military recognitions throughout the game. A private event will also be held for Gold Star Families. Tickets are available for this event here.
Saturday, June 7 – U.S. Army 250th Birthday Celebration at Redstone Gateway
Join Redstone Family and MWR, Redstone Gateway, the City of Huntsville, and Huntsville Music Office to celebrate the Army’s 250th Birthday! This will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. at Redstone Gateway, outside Gate 9, Research Park Boulevard in Huntsville. The Chamber said anyone can bring their families and see the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, a DJ, car show, band and fireworks.
Monday, June 9 – Concert in the Park & Fireworks show
Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville Department of Parks & Recreation’s 2025 Military Appreciation Night, starting at 6:30 p.m., Concert in the Park will feature the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCOE) Band from Fort Benning, Ga. Come join the fun in beautiful Big Spring Park as we honor our military, and don’t forget to stay through the fireworks show
In case of rain, the show will be held at the VBC.
Thursday, June 12 – Department of the Army Civilian Dinner
Held at the Jackson Center, this event will start at 6 p.m. The Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) will host the 2025 Dr. Richard G. “Dick” Rhoades Department of the Army Civilian of the Year Awards Dinner. All nominees will be recognized at the dinner and winners will be announced. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Saturday, June 14 – U.S. Army 250th Birthday Ball
This black-tie event honors Army traditions and will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, ceremonial program with live music, an Army history tribute, cake cutting, dancing, and more. The evening will include special remarks from General (Ret.) Gustave Perna, making it a memorable celebration for all. This event will be held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and is set to begin at 6 p.m.
Some Huntsville-area attractions and local retailers will also offer military discounts, such as several businesses at Parkway Place Mall and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, which will offer free admission for veterans and active duty military with at least one paid admission from June 2-9.
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