The Charlie Daniels Band, aerial tributes from the Warbirds Flyover Team, free-fall parachute demonstrations, and fireworks are all part of a Veterans’ Day Celebration at Fluor Field this year on Sunday, Nov. 11.
Remember Old Hickory along with The Greenville Veterans Alliance will host the celebration at Fluor Field to show support for our nation’s veterans. Gates will open at 3:00 pm on November 11, and those that arrive early will get the opportunity to browse displays of military vehicles.
The event festivities will kick off at 5:00 pm with Special Forces parachuting the American Flag – containing 48 stars as it did in 1918 — onto Fluor Field. Followed with a flyover by the Warbirds and widely known historian, Henry Johnson, will then reenact a scene from the Battle of Bullecourt, which is where the 30th Division broke though the Hindenburg Line ending WWI.
The guest speaker for the celebration is Lt. General Thomas James who was personally asked to come to Greenville by the United States Secretary of Defense, General James N. Mattis. The presentation will be wrapped up with Mayor Knox White reading the proclamation from the city. The festivities will conclude with a performance by the Charlie Daniels Band.
This year’s celebration has a special meaning as it also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, which has a special meaning in Greenville this year. On September 29, 1918 the United States Army 30th “Old Hickory” Division broke through the German’s unconquerable Hindenburg Line, which ultimately led to the end of WWI. These soldiers trained at Camp Sevier in Greenville.
“This was a huge victory for not only the United States, but people all around the world,” said Don Koonce, one of the organizers of the Remember the Old Hickory Project. “We want to remember those soldiers who trained right here in Greenville and honor our veterans with this fun event.”
The Greenville Veterans Alliance is made up of the Greenville Health System, General Electric, Michelin and the Greenville Drive. Each organization has a special role in supporting the military throughout the years and helps provide awareness and support concerning the needs of Veterans in the Upstate communities.
“We are very excited to have so many Veteran Service Organizations coming together for this special event,” said Kevin McBride, organizer of the South Carolina Veterans Upstate Solute. “The Greenville Veterans Alliance has especially been a huge help in planning this celebration and we are thankful for each of their partnerships.”