Two Weeks of Tribute: Armed Forces Celebration Expands for U.S. Army’s 250th
Military families looking to save money over the next two weeks can find numerous deals and discounts in one place. In honor of the annual Armed Forces Celebration that has been extended this year, shops in Parkway Place are offering bargains throughout the mall. At least 15 stores are participating.
The annual celebration is traditionally one week. However, the celebration has been stretched to two weeks due to several events surrounding the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.
The festivities begin with a Proclamation Signing Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial downtown Monday and conclude Saturday, June 14 with the AUSA Army 250th Birthday Ball at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Davidson Center.
Also, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will offer free admission for veterans and active duty military with at least one paid admission June 2-9.
“We are proud to host the annual Armed Forces Celebration with several events designed to get the community involved,’’ said Claire Aiello, VP, Image Development & Communications for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.
“It is an honor to plan and present these, and it’s quite fun to attend them! There are plenty of activities for the family, and we are excited to invite everyone out to show support for the service members and civilians who support Team Redstone.”
The following stores offer military discounts https://www.parkwayplacemall.com/deals. Some of the discounts are limited and others are good year round. Check with each store on availability:
- Sleep Number by Select Comfort
- Charley’s Cheesecake
- Banter by Piercing Pagoda
- Sunglass Hut
- Hot Topic
- GNC Live Well
- Francesca’s
- Reed’s Jewelers
- Finish Line
- Spencer’s
- Buckle
- Claire’s
- Windsor
- Hollister Co.
- Zales
Sunglass Hut and GNC Live Well also offer discounts to first responders, and Francesca’s give deals to first responders, students, teachers and military personnel.
The schedule:
Monday, June 2 at 8 a.m. – Proclamation Signing Ceremony
Huntsville/Madison County Veterans Memorial (200 Monroe Street NW). Leaders from Huntsville, Madison, Madison County, and Redstone Arsenal will sign a proclamation to kick off our 2025 Armed Forces Celebration. The Rocket City Brass Band will perform patriotic music.
In case of rain, the proclamation signing will be moved indoors to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, located at 225 Church Street NW.
Wednesday, June 4 at noon – Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon
VBC Saturn Ballroom. 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 the scheduled speaker.
Thursday, June 5 at 6 p.m. – Annual Community Softball Game
Community leaders will host Redstone Arsenal leaders in this annual Community Softball Game at Toyota Field. Parking and admission are FREE – and the first 500 people through the gates get a free hot dog! Additional concessions will be available for purchase. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is at 6 p.m. The North Alabama Rockets and Team Redstone will be competing for the coveted “Target Destroyed” trophy.
RETURNING THIS YEAR: The company or organization with the most fans in attendance will win the Grand Slam Spirit Award! Tip: Have a plan on when to arrive and where to sit together.
Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m. – Military Appreciation Night at Huntsville City FC
Huntsville City FC will take on Orlando City B. Gates open at 5 p.m. Before the game, the Redstone Test Center is scheduled to perform a flyover, and there will be military recognition throughout the game. A private event will also be held for Gold Star Families.
Saturday, June 7 – U.S. Army 250th Birthday Celebration at Redstone Gateway
Join Redstone Family and MWR, Redstone Gateway, the City of Huntsville, and the Huntsville Music Office to celebrate from 3-9 p.m. Bring the family and see the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, a DJ, car show, band, and fireworks.
Monday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. – Concert in the Park & Fireworks Show
Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville Department of Parks & Recreation’s 2025 Military Appreciation Night Concert in the Park will feature the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCOE) Band from Ft. Benning, Ga. A fireworks show follows.
Rain Location: VBC South Hall.
Additional events continue through June 14, including the Department of the Army Civilian Dinner on June 12 and the AUSA Army 250th Birthday Ball on June 14.
For links to tickets and more information, visit https://hsvchamber.org/2025-armed-forces-celebration/
