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Marine Corps Launches Inaugural Marine Week in Chicago, May 11-17
HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS (April 6, 2009) - The United States Marine Corps launches its inaugural Marine Week in Chicago, May 11-17, 2009 when the city opens its doors to the nearly 2,000 Marines who will participate in various community activities throughout the Chicagoland area.
"Established to recognize the contributions of local Marine heroes, their families, and the cities from which they came, Marine Week also showcases the rich history and traditions of our beloved Corps," said General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps. "This is the first of many celebrations honoring country and Corps in cities across the nation."
Nearly 11,000 service members from Illinois are deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, thousands of whom hail from Chicago. Marine Week Chicago will honor these brave men and women as well as the many citizens of Chicago who have provided their support from the home front.
Throughout the week, Marines will work alongside Chicago citizens volunteering at food kitchens and community parks; sharing stories of service to their nation with local students; conducting musical performances at area landmarks; encouraging children to become active through physical fitness challenges; and showcasing the Marine Corps' cutting-edge technology at venues such as Navy Pier and Arlington Park racetrack.
The schedule of events will include:
Monday - May 11
o Marines volunteer to restore Levin Park (8:00 A.M.)
o Marine Week Dedication Ceremony at Daley Plaza (10 A.M.)
o Will feature the 29 Palms Marine Band and Color Guard, Brigadier General Melvin G. Spiese (Chicago native) and a pinning ceremony to honor Marine families and veterans
Tuesday - May 12
o Marines volunteer to restore Riis Park (8:00 A.M.)
o Performances by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, "The Commandant's Own," The Marine Drum and Bugle Corps at Oak Park and River Forest High School Stadium (6:00 P.M.)
Wednesday - May 13
o Marines volunteer at Cornerstone Community Outreach
Center (8:00 A.M.)
o Performances by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, "The Commandant's Own," The Marine Drum and Bugle Corps at Soldier Field (3:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.)
Thursday - May 14
o Marines volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
Friday - May 15
o Marines at Navy Pier (All Day)
o Will feature robotics, technology and vehicle displays, Martial Arts and Combat Fitness demonstrations, and the 29 Palms Marine Band
o Marines at Arlington Park racetrack (All Day)
o Will feature aviation, technology, and vehicle displays
Saturday - May 16
o Marines at Navy Pier (All Day)
o Will feature robotics, technology and vehicle displays, Martial Arts and Combat Fitness demonstrations, and the 29 Palms Marine Band
o Marine Band Concert at Navy Pier, Skyline Stage (8:00 P.M.)
o Marines at Arlington Park racetrack (All Day)
o Will feature aviation, technology, and vehicle displays
Sunday - May 17
o Marines at Navy Pier (All Day)
o Will feature robotics, technology, and vehicle displays, Martial Arts and Combat Fitness demonstrations, and the 29 Palms Marine Band at Skyline Stage (3:00 P.M.- 4:30 P.M.)
o Marines at Arlington Park racetrack (All Day)
o Will feature technology and vehicle displays, performances by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, "The Commandant's Own," The Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and Marine Corps Aircraft Demonstrations (12:00 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.)
Events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule, CLICK HERE.
Contact Captain Kate Vanden Bossche at (504) 678-7843 (w) or (843) 812-9485 © or [email protected] with any media inquiries or interview requests.
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