BridgeFest Salute to the Military

For more information, contact: Bill Cotter, 228.467.7070

Bay BridgeFest 2009 falls on Saturday, May 16th, coinciding with Armed Forces Day, when across the country, citizens will take time to recognize and honor their military services. In Hancock County, a special “Salute to the Military” has been incorporated into the BridgeFest activities.

One of the Salute exhibits will be the Special Operations Craft Riverine, the US Navy's latest vehicle fielded by the Special Boat Team.

All five branches of the military will be represented during BridgeFest – the Air Force, Army, Marine Corp, Navy and Coast Guard. The Navy and Coast Guard units attending will be made up of Hancock County residents.

Bill Cotter, director of Stennis International Airport has coordinated the Salute to the Military, which will include fly-overs, a showcase of military vehicles and boats and even a 42’ Kiowa Army helicopter.

Cotter said that he is “thankful and grateful for the opportunity work with the Chamber to honor and support those men and women who defend us day in and day out.”

The Salute activities will be centered on Beach Blvd. at the foot of Main Street. At 2pm, a 20 piece traditional Navy band will perform patriotic music as the prelude to a ceremony when Hancock officials will present keys to the county to representatives of all five armed services.

Cotter said that the fly-overs by military aircraft will occur between 2 and 2:30pm. Then from 3 – 3:45 pm, a contemporary Navy band will rock and roll on the Second Street stage.

“There’ll be something for just about everyone,” said Cotter. “The Marine Corps is even bringing interactive displays for kids. It’s going to be a great day, a chance for us all to say ‘Thank you.’”

Bridgefest 2009 is sponsored by Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, City of Bay St. Louis, Hancock County Board of Supervisors, City of Waveland, Hollywood Casino, Silver Slipper Casino, Coast Transit Authority, Sun Herald Multi Media, The Sea Coast Echo, South Mississippi Living, and the MS Department of Transportation.

Listing of All BridgeFest Pages:

Bridgefest Artists

BridgeFest Art Village

BridgeFest Artwalk

BridgeFest Bay Café

BridgeFest Family Art (Artrageous!)

BridgeFest Family Fun

BridgeFest Letter from the Mayor

BridgeFest Letter from the President

BridgeFest Music Line-Up

BridgeFest Official Poster / Art Auction

BridgeFest Run / Walk

BridgeFest Salutes the Military

BridgeFest Schedule of Events

BridgeFest Vendors