+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+
| National Park Service      | Springfield      |   | One Armory Square |
|                            | Armory           |   |                   |
| U.S. Department of the     |                  |   | Suite 2           |
| Interior                   | National         |   |                   |
|                            | Historic Site    |   | Springfield MA    |
|                            |                  |   | 01105-1299        |
|                            | www.nps.gov/spar |   |                   |
|                            |                  |   | 413.734.8551      |
|                            | Use the complete |   | phone             |
|                            | site name here   |   |                   |
|                            | (e.g. Palo Alto  |   | 413.747.8062 fax  |
|                            | Battlefield      |   |                   |
|                            | Historic Site).  |   |                   |
+----------------------------+------------------+---+-------------------+

![](media/image1.png){width="0.5597222222222222in"
height="0.7201388888888889in"}

**Springfield Armory NHS** News Release

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May 1, 2007 Joanne Gangi-Wellman (413)734-8551

For Immediate Release / Photo Opportunity <Joannem_Gangi@nps.gov>

**Armed Forces Day and Military Encampment**

**May 19, 2007**

Springfield Armory National Historic Site celebrates Armed Forces Day
with a colorful, educational and historic military encampment Saturday,
May 19 to honor all veterans and active duty military personnel. Take
part in activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Witness the blasts of cannon,
and learn about the muskets and rifles linked with our National Armory.
There will be ceremonies at 10am, noon and at 4pm. FREE ADMISSION.

Armed Forces Day is officially commemorated on the 3^rd^ Saturday of
May. The observances in the morning, noon and afternoon include flag
raising and lowering, short speeches by local dignitaries and active
duty military. Ceremonies will include color guards and ROTC drill
teams.

Living history re-enactors will represent both soldiers and civilians in
period military camps. Connections to Springfield Armory history and
firearms as well as the historic period they represent will be
highlighted. Children can become a Jr. Ranger and earn a patch by
participating in an informational scavenger hunt or by searching through
the Armory museum.

Browse our bookstore for a unique memento of your visit. Consider a gift
of a firearm production t-shirt, a Civil War cap, historical book, or a
CD of lively military music.

Superintendent Michael Quijano-West invites everyone to come out and
celebrate with us "this is a wonderful opportunity to honor the history
of Springfield Armory National Historic Site, the dedication of all our
Armed Forces throughout the history of our nation and meld this with the
educational aspect of the living history re-enactors in our Military
Encampment to teach visitors different aspects of the 174 year history
of the Armory".

The event will be held on the Green located in between Springfield
Armory National Historic Site Museum and Springfield Technical Community
College. Springfield Technical Community College is working with
Springfield Armory National Historic Site to cosponsor the event and
highlight the historical significance of the Armory in our nation's
history. Springfield Armory National Historic Site is one of the only
National Park Service sites that is co-owned and managed with an
institution of higher education.

\- MORE -

**Armed Forces Day and Military Encampment**

**May 19, 2007**

Schedule of Events for the day:

> Throughout the day, military and contemporary music, from the early
> periods of the American Revolution thorough the 1970's Vietnam War
> era, will be played in the background.
>
> 9:00 Springfield Armory National Historic Site Museum Opens
>
> 10:00 Opening Ceremony -- Garrison flag raised, National Anthem,
> Superintendent's welcome, military honored, and a joint color guard
> presentation
>
> 10:30 Artillery and Time Line Blank Firing demonstration
>
> 12:00 pm Armed Forces Day Ceremony

-   Living history re-enactors, military personnel and color guards
    march to location

-   Welcome from Springfield Armory NHS, Springfield Technical Community
    College, political, and military leaders

-   ROTC local High School drill teams

-   Words from special dignitaries and/or other active duty military

> 1:00 Second Continental Light Dragoons mounted horseback presentation
>
> 2:30 Discourse by military personnel and family members
>
> 3:30 Time Line Firing demonstrations
>
> 4:00 Closing: Garrison flag lowered, Taps, and firing
>
> 5:00 Springfield Armory National Historic Site Museum Closes

[EDITORS ADVISORY]{.underline}: Participants are available for
interviews. Please contact us for information.

-NPS-