Marine Aviator Major General James H. Adams Is Armed Forces Day Keynote Speaker; Parade Includes 9-School Mass Band, ROTC Units

Marine Aviator Major General James H. Adams told attendees at the 73^rd annual Armed Forces Luncheon Friday “the United States must stand on the side of freedom or face a different world.”  Major General Adams said, “Russian aggression is one reason why NATO exists and has to continue.”

Major General Adams flew combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan and is a highly decorated officer. He currently works out of the Pentagon and is assigned as the Joint Staff J8.

The Armed forces Day celebration in Chattanooga started in 1949.  It’s sponsored by the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council.  Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Charles H. Coolidge was among the World War Two heroes riding in the first parade.

General Adams said the Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga "is a testament to what Armed Forces Day is all about.” He said Tennessee has 32 Medal of Honor recipients and should be proud that’s more than any other state. 

Many officials, including 3^rd District Congressman Chuck Fleishmann and both Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, attended the sellout luncheon at the downtown Convention Center.  The program included a musical prelude by the Marine Corps Band stationed in New Orleans made up of 50 active duty musicians from all over the United States. 

Before the luncheon, under the threat of a thunderstorm, the Armed Forces Parade took place on Market Street starting at M.L. King Blvd. 

The USMC band opened the parade playing military selections stopping at the reviewing stand (in front of the City/County Courts Building) to perform for military officers, local officials and the general public. 

Luncheon Chairman CDR Patrick Neal said the Chattanooga parade remains the longest running in the United States.  

CAVC Board member Noel Long said this year’s parade featured a nine-school mass band made up of over 500 students. He said there were 12 ROTC units from 10 Hamilton County Schools.  He said both were “very impressive.”

Although this is Marine year, all branches of the military were honored, both active and those that have served. 

Major General Adams said he "agrees with those who say Chattanooga is the most patriotic city in the United States" and he would like to return and spend more time here.

Also attending the parade and luncheon was World War two Army Veteran Ralph Painter, who received five Bronze Stars and helped fight the “Battle of the Bulge.”  

Also in attendance was Vietnam Veterans of America President Jack McManus.  Mr. McManus will be at Valley Fest in Dunlap this weekend, an event to honor veterans and featuring a concert by the Charlie Daniels Band.

The Tennessee Vietnam Memorial Wall will be on display.