A salute to the military
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee World Festival Inc. will feature “Summerfest’s Salute to the Military,” on July 5, which will honor members of the U.S. Military and their families by programming the grounds with a celebration of unforgettable patriotic music, military band performances and entertainment. The event will be the culmination of various onsite exhibits and activities conducted by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines and Air National Guard at Summerfest.
Military members and their families, as well as all patrons, are invited to join in the musical salute celebration for free between noon and 3 p.m. compliments of We Energies Day. A patriotic theme now decorates the Summerfest stages. Military groups in attendance on July 5 will include the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, USO, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Air Force and the Air National Guard as well as other military musical performing units.
“Summerfest appreciates all that the U.S. Military does to keep America safe. It is only fitting that we salute these individuals with music and celebration on this special Fourth of July weekend,” stated Don Smiley, president and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival Inc. “We invite all members of the military and their families to come together at Summerfest to enjoy themselves and the great patriotic performances we have planned.”
Entertainment activities will include color guards, drum lines and drill teams at the Mid-Gate starting at 11:30 a.m. to greet patrons, a U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter flyover and search and rescue demonstration at 1 p.m.. U.S. Marines Color Guard and drum lines roaming the grounds as well as performing at the Sentry SportsZone and more. On stage musical performances will include the Liberty Belles, U.S. Navy Great Lakes Band, USO-IL band, the VA Jam Band, Lansdowne and many more. A complete line-up can be found on Summerfest.com.
Summerfest 2009 will take place June 25 – July 5 from noon until midnight daily. The World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other.
